The Oxford Street Development Corporation (OSDC) has reached a major milestone in the transformation of Oxford Street, taking on responsibility as the Local Planning Authority for the Mayoral Development Area (MDA).
The Order sees the transfer of planning functions from the London Borough of Camden and Westminster City Council to the OSDC.
Oxford Street has a significant global role in the retail, culture, entertainment and tourism sectors, with an annual spend of around £3.1bn. It is also increasingly popular as an office location, particularly thanks to the Elizabeth line, with new developments attracting leading global and UK businesses.
These new planning functions, alongside the programme to pedestrianise Oxford Street, are a critical part of delivering the Mayor of London’s vision for the area, allowing the OSDC to go further in providing greater co-ordination and certainty in supporting high-quality development and long-term investment across the area. From today, new planning applications within the OSDC area must be submitted to and determined by the OSDC.
Oxford Street is already showing strong signs of renewed confidence since the transformation plans were announced by the Mayor, with recent market data indicating that retail vacancy rates are at their lowest level in twenty years.* Pinterest officially launched its new UK and European headquarters at Oxford Circus last month, and both Marks & Spencer and John Lewis have recently significantly developed their existing large-scale stores. The pedestrianisation of Oxford Street will further increase its desirability as a location for businesses and retailers, who will benefit from increased footfall.
The new planning authority expects to see a wide range of applications ranging from major redevelopment and refurbishment schemes, to changes of use, alterations to existing buildings, shopfronts, advertisements and other proposals affecting the character, quality and experience of Oxford Street and the wider area.
Works to prepare the section of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street for pedestrianisation are expected to start by the end of this summer with the aim of going traffic-free in the second half of October, subject to relevant approvals and consents.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Another important milestone has been achieved today in the vision to transform and revitalise Oxford Street. The transfer of these planning powers allows the OSDC team to take forward new designs and developments and turn the area into a world-leading destination, while ensuring its unique character and cultural heritage are enhanced. With works to pedestrianise the stretch of Oxford Street between Orchard Street and Great Portland Street due to get underway soon, we are one step closer to creating a fantastic new area for Londoners and visitors to explore, as we continue to build a better, more prosperous city for everyone.”
Nabeel Khan, CEO of the OSDC, said: “The transfer of these new planning powers is a critical moment for OSDC as we transform Oxford Street into a leading destination for retail, next-generation workplaces, leisure, culture and hospitality.
‘We will be able to help to shape the wider transformation of the Oxford Street area, with a focus on exceptional design quality, inclusion and sustainability.
‘I’d like to thank colleagues at Westminster City Council and the London Borough of Camden for helping ensure a smooth transfer process.”
Anne Ogundiya, Chief Planner of the OSDC, said: “OSDC will provide a proactive, design-led planning service focused on quality, clarity and timely decision-making. We will work closely with Westminster City Council, Camden Council, the GLA and other partners and stakeholders to support a smooth transition and help shape high-quality development across the Mayoral Development Area.”
Margaret Casely-Hayford, Chair of the OSDC Planning Committee said: “The new Planning powers provide the Planning Committee with a unique opportunity to consider applications for the Oxford Street area with a cohesive and coherent perspective and allow the Committee to apply its independent and robust oversight of the new planning authority’s most significant decisions. We're committed to transparent, well-informed decision-making and to working constructively with officers, borough partners, and local stakeholders.”
Applications will either be decided by planning officers under delegated authority or, where appropriate because of their scale, complexity or wider significance, by the OSDC’s Planning Committee. The Planning Committee will include independent members alongside representatives nominated by Westminster City Council and the London Borough of Camden.
