Design by Hurd Rolland, Image by Shove Media

The scheme involved the redevelopment of the former Marylebone Magistrates’ Court site to provide a new City of Westminster Court, on behalf of the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty’s Court Service.This flagship project is part of Her Majesty’s Court Service’s commitment to delivering a modern justice system.

The site, on Marylebone Road in Westminster, is in a prominent gateway position on this main arterial route into central London. It is also within the Portman Estate Conservation Area and adjacent to a number of listed buildings.

The principal planning and heritage issues included securing the sustainable re-use of previously developed land; demolition of unlisted buildings in a conservation area; modern high quality design appropriate to function and context; development sensitive to the conservation area and setting of listed buildings; high security vehicular access; and highway and public realm improvement works.

Services Provided
DPP provided planning and heritage services from early pre-application stage through to public inquiry. This was to secure conservation area consent for the demolition of the existing buildings and planning permission for the new court building. Extensive presentations, consultation and negotiation with the local planning authority, English Heritage, CABE, the GLA, TfL and local amenity and resident groups was required throughout the application process.

Expert planning and heritage evidence and witnesses were provided to present the case for redevelopment of the site at public inquiry. In addition post decision management of the discharge of conditions was provided to enable an early start to work on site.

Achievements
The completion of a community consultation exercise alongside management of the planning application process and securing the support of both English Heritage and CABE for the proposals.

Securing planning permission and conservation area consent in March 2008 with the planning Inspector commenting: “My conclusion is that this [proposed] building would indeed provide an unequivocal signal of its civic significance and the presence and stature of justice in the community. It would thus continue the longstanding judicial contribution of this site to the character of the area.”