Dual B1 Office and Medical Clinic Approved by Westminster
Dual B1/D1 planning permission from Westminster City Council for a GP and out-of-hours clinic opposite Paddington station, overcoming office retention policy in a protected central London employment area.
PLANNING APPROVALSWESTMINSTERLONDON
Andrew Ransome
6/20/20262 min read
In 2017, Westminster City Council approved a dual B1/D1 planning permission for a new doctor's clinic opposite Paddington station, within a protected office area of central London.
The case was resolved by proposing a dual-use arrangement that retained the B1 employment designation and by demonstrating how the proposal met the strategic objectives of the Westminster City Plan.
Employment Planning Policy in Westminster
Westminster City Council approved a change of use application for a new general practice and out-of-hours clinic to be established within a vacant office on a busy commercial block opposite Paddington station.
The site was part of a protected employment area where office uses are carefully defended under Westminster's planning policies, making a straightforward change of use application difficult to sustain.
Rather than applying for a full change of use from B1 to D1, a dual-use application was submitted to retain the B1 office designation whilst enabling the premises to function as a D1 medical clinic.
This approach directly addressed the Council's concern about the loss of employment floorspace, ensuring that the space could revert to its established office use if required in future — preserving Westminster's control over the character of the area.
The planning case demonstrated clearly how the proposal supported the aims of sustainable development and the strategic objectives of the Westminster City Plan.
Westminster City Council approved the application without delay.
Planning Application Advice
If you are seeking to establish a medical or professional services use in a protected central London employment area, I can advise on the right application strategy and manage the process on your behalf. Contact me to discuss your project.
Andrew Ransome MRTPI - Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
About me
Andrew Ransome is a Planning Director and a Chartered Member of the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), with more than two decades of experience in town planning.
He specialises in delivering strategic planning solutions for complex developments across both rural and urban environments, helping clients navigate planning challenges and unlock development opportunities. Connect with Andrew on Linkedin.
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Get in touch for planning advice: Email: andrew@andrewransome.co.uk
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