Westminster City Council has formalised the delegation of functions under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931 to its Strategic and Planning Sub Committees. The Act prescribes mechanisms for consent for various works and enforcement should that be required.

The decision, made at the Council meeting on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, aims to streamline the process for both granting consent for works and enforcing regulations related to London squares within the borough. The move was part of a broader constitutional update approved by the council.

The council approved amendments to its constitution to reflect this change. According to the report to Full Council regarding the Constitutional Update - London Squares Preservation Act 1931, there are no financial implications associated with this change in delegation. These amendments include:

  • Adding a row to the table of local choice functions, delegating functions under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931 and other Local Acts related to planning and building control to the Strategic Planning Committee and Planning Sub Committees.
  • Amending the terms of reference for the Strategic Planning Committee to include decisions on enforcement action under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931. This includes taking decisions on any enforcement action required under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931.
  • Amending the terms of reference for the Planning Sub-Committee (x 2) to include decisions on enforcement action under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931. This includes taking decisions on any enforcement action required under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931.

The Public Reports Pack details the report considered by the council, outlining the reasons for the decision. According to the report, the aim is to formalise the approval of delegation of functions under the 1931 Act and Local Acts related to planning and building control and amend the constitution accordingly.

The decision was made during a full council meeting at Westminster Council House. The Printed Minutes of the meeting confirm the approval of the recommendations related to the Act.