The St John’s Wood Society’s Planning Committee is dedicated to conserving the character of the St John’s Wood Conservation Area, an area of special historic and architectural interest, immediately recognisable for its distinctive low density townscape with wide tree-lined streets.

Westminster City Council consults us on every planning application for the area, over 350 applications annually. We ask that owners give careful regard to the impact their proposal will have not only on the historic or architectural interest of the building, but also on the environment, streetscape and the amenity of neighbours. We do not object to proposals which have architectural merit, where materials and detailed design take into account and enrich original features and are in proportion to the existing building and streetscape.

The removal of characteristic features, or the introduction of unsympathetic windows, doors or materials can not only destroy the visual quality of one building but erode the entire character and interest of an area.

We work closely with our residents, our MP, Abbey Road and Regent’s Park ward councillors, landowners (the Eyre Estate and John Lyon’s Charity) local businesses, developers, architects and Westminster City Council’s planning, enforcement, conservation and arboricultural officers. We are also involved with the emerging Neighbourhood Forum.

Detailed information on local planning issues is published in the Society's Magazine 'From The Wood' and our Chair, Christine Cowdray, can be contacted at planning@stjohnswoodsociety.org.uk. The most recent articles are available here:

Autumn 2021

BASEMENTS

BOUNDARY TREATMENTS

ROOF ALTERATIONS & EXTENSIONS

IN-FILL DEVELOPMENTS

DEMOLITIONS

PLANNING ENFORCEMENT

ESTATE AGENT BOARDS

LAND USE & ASSETS OF COMMUNITY VALUE

NEIGHBOURHOOD FORUM