Top Flat, 27 Alma Square,, London, NW8 9PY

Planning appeal 6011521 at Top Flat, 27 Alma Square,, London, NW8 9PY (City of Westminster Council) was dismissed on 9 September 2026 by Inspector K Dryden, by written representations. The main issue, as the Inspector framed it: The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host property and the surrounding area, with particular regard to whether it would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the St John's Wood Conservation Area.

Mansard roof addition to extend top floor flat

Authority: City of Westminster Council
Appeal type: Planning
Procedure: Written
Development: residential
Inspector: K Dryden
Postcode: NW8 9PY

Main issues, as the Inspector framed them

The effect of the proposed development on the character and appearance of the host property and the surrounding area, with particular regard to whether it would preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the St John's Wood Conservation Area

What decided it

The low-level harm to the significance of the conservation area, which carries considerable importance and weight, was not outweighed by the modest benefits of providing additional residential accommodation.

The benefits of providing a larger family home and making efficient use of an existing building in a sustainable location were substantially outweighed by the low-level harm to the significance of the conservation area and the conflict with historic environment conservation policies

What the Inspector cited

Development plan policies: City Plan 2019–2040 (2026) Policy 42City Plan 2019–2040 (2026) Policy 44City Plan 2019–2040 (2026) Policy 45
National Planning Policy Framework: Policy S4Policy L2Policy DP3Policy HE6Policy HE9Policy HO7

How the Inspector dealt with each one is set out in the app, in order: the development plan, national policy, housing land supply, other considerations and the planning balance, beside the letter.

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The decision letter

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The authority’s record since 2016 · every decision in 2026

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The main issues, what decided it, the planning balance and the policies and judgments listed as cited are read from the published letter by Town Planner Pro and are our summary, not the Inspector’s words; the letter itself is the record. Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Research, not advice.