Westminster City Council is set to kick off a restructuring of its in-house legal division at the end of next month (30 November).

The overhaul of the 24-strong function comes as the council's director of legal and administrative services, Colin Wilson, steps down form his after taking voluntary redundancy.

The legal and administrative sectors of the function will be separated, with current divisional deputy Peter Large taking up the leadership when Wilson departs at the end of November.

Westminster City Council chief executive Mike More said: "Colin has made a significant contribution to the council, often on difficult issues, for nearly twenty years. I am thankful for the expert advice and leadership Colin has provided and wish him all the best in the future."

The council also claimed that the reshuffle was not part of a move to cut costs, but admitted that it would have some cost-saving benefits.

The news follows the council's decision to issue a joint legal challenge, alongside English Heritage, against Secretary of State Hazel Blears' decision to grant planning permission for the Doon Street Tower.

The challenge to the construction of the tower, which will measure 144 metres if built, was made on the grounds that that the scheme would cause serious harm to City's historic environment.

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