Westminster to introduce ‘planning permission' for delivery apps

Restaurants offering deliveries through apps may have to apply for planning permission under rules being introduced by Westminster City Council.

Restaurants providing large numbers of deliveries through companies like Deliveroo and Uber Eats to the point they are no longer a secondary use will have to apply for planning permission for the change of use, and "demonstrate that they minimise disruption in local neighbourhoods". The new policy will come into force spring 2018.

Westminster City Council cabinet member for planning and public realm, councillor Daniel Astaire, said: "We have nearly 3,000 restaurants in Westminster and the council needs policies to keep up with new technology, ensuring that areas can cope with the increased demand for food deliveries. Left unchecked this will create traffic chaos.

"These apps provide a fantastic service and we understand that for every delivery driver there is a customer. It is a popular, much needed service but we can't allow the city to be swarmed with delivery drivers."

The council recently set a precedent by issuing a notice to a branch of Nando's in Westbourne Grove to stop providing deliveries after residents complained of being disturbed by large groups of moped delivery drivers.

A Deliveroo spokesperson said: "Deliveroo always works with communities and local authorities to ensure our service benefits restaurants, residents, riders and customers alike."

Uber did not respond to request for comment by the time of going to press.

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