The High Court has decided to uphold Westminster City Council’s decision to allow the redevelopment of the last surviving historic timber yard in the country.
The site now faces closure due to Westminster City Council planning committee, led by Chair Councillor Robert Davis, granting permission to the Grosvenor Estate to redevelop Newson’s Timber Yard into two 10,000 sq ft retail spaces and residential apartments.
Travis Perkins are looking at ways to appeal the decision from the High Court.
Travis Perkins hosted a community outreach day in early September to bring support about the cause from local residents.
Newson’s Timber Yard was opened in 1845 and was taken over by Travis Perkins in 1998.
Martin Meech, Group Property Director at Travis Perkins said: “We are deeply disappointed with the High Court’s decision and we are considering our options to appeal. This is yet another example of a major London landowner ignoring the needs and wishes of the local community.
“It serves as a reminder of the threat to essential services in the capital, such as builders’ merchants, which are increasingly getting swept aside in favour of the wrong types of development.”
Cllr Jason Williams, of Churchill Ward said: “We’re very disappointed the High Court have come to this decision. Local residents are overwhelmingly in favour of keeping the timber yard, it is not right that their objections have not been taken into account.
