Westminster City Council publish the licensing “direction of travel” document

Westminster City Council has announced plans to simplify and better align its planning and licensing systems, making it easier for residents and businesses to navigate local rules and get decisions more quickly.

This week the Council published two “Direction of Travel” documents setting out the future approach for its City Plan and its Statement of Licensing Policy. The move marks the first time the two frameworks have been updated in tandem.

Planning and licensing are two of the Council’s most powerful tools in shaping how Westminster looks, feels and functions. By bringing them closer together, the Council aims to reduce duplication, increase transparency and support a thriving local economy while protecting residents’ safety and wellbeing.

The new approach will focus on:

Supporting hybrid cultural and creative spaces
Modernising policies to enable more flexible use of premises and support mixed-use venues across the city.

Securing the future of the West End
Reflecting the area’s cultural significance and supporting Westminster After Dark, the Council’s evening and night-time strategy, balancing vibrancy with residential amenity.

Embedding safety by design
Using planning and licensing together to tackle Violence Against Women and Girls, prepare for Martyn’s Law and create well-designed spaces that reduce nuisance and promote safer operations.

Improving noise control, waste management and public safety
Setting clearer criteria for noise and dispersal management, alongside planning requirements that minimise disturbance and support safer environments.

The documents respond directly to feedback from residents, community groups and businesses who have raised concerns about fragmentation and misalignment between the two systems.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Cabinet Member for Planning and Economic Development, said:

“Starting a business, opening a venue, or extending your home shouldn’t require a policy expertise to understand the system. And if residents have concerns about a proposal in their neighbourhood, it should be clear where they stand and how they can be heard. By aligning planning and licensing, we are making our processes simpler, faster, and more transparent while maintaining strong protections for safety and quality of life. This is about supporting growth, culture and creativity in Westminster but doing so responsibly.”

Cllr Aicha Less, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Public Protection, said:

“The new approach to licensing and planning aims to reduce the complexity of the two processes and strengthens our ability to design safer streets, safer venues and safer neighbourhoods. Residents and businesses will be benefitting from the updated policies as there are clearer expectations, stronger emphasis on safety and a more unified system.”

Over the coming year, the Council will develop the detailed evidence base and draft updated policies for both the City Plan and the Statement of Licensing Policy, with further engagement planned with residents, businesses and stakeholders.