Swathes of central London ‘under threat of developer free-for-all’, claims Westminster Council

Parts of Marylebone among other iconic London districts are under threat, claims council

(Picture: Daniel Lynch)

Rules which make it easier to turn office and retail space into flats could have a “devastating effect” on swathes of central London, Westminster City Council has claimed.

Council bosses said the capital’s status as a globally-recognised shopping destination and business hub is being threatened by planning rules which gives developers the right to turn empty office and commercial spaces into flats without full planning permission.