Statement re Planning Consent

Great Portland Estates PLC
4 September 2001



GREAT PORTLAND GRANTED 146,000 SQ FT PLANNING CONSENT FOR FURTHER REJUVENATION
                          NORTH OF OXFORD STREET, W1



Great Portland Estates P.L.C. (GPE) has been granted detailed planning consent
for the redevelopment of 190 Great Portland Street W1, comprising some 13,532
sq m (145,658 sq ft), which will have a current end value of £80 million. The
consent follows GPE's successful redevelopment of the adjoining 160 Great
Portland Street, and further underlines the Company's concentration on its
central London portfolio in areas of expected rental growth.

The consent includes: 1,264 sq m (13,606 sq ft) - A1/retail; 255 sq m (2,745
sq ft) - A3/leisure; 10,302 sq m (110,891 sq ft)- B1/offices; 1,411 sq m
(15,188 sq ft) - D2/health & fitness; 300 sq m (3,229 sq ft) - showroom. GPE
will also make a significant contribution to enhancing landscaping and
amenities in the surrounding area.

Paul Gittens of GPE comments:

'Following our redevelopment of 160 Great Portland Street and the rejuvenation
of Market Place, this consent represents further evidence of how a close and
pragmatic working relationship with Westminster City Council can breathe new
life and energy into this area. Rents north of Oxford Street, where the
majority of our £800 million West End portfolio lies, show the greatest
potential for growth and ultimately, therefore, shareholder value.'

GPE holds over 80% of its £1.5 billion portfolio in central London and South
East offices and currently has no voids in the West End.

ENDS



For further information please contact:



Michaela Penfold/Laura Torrance

Halogen

Tel: [phone]



Sue Pemberton/Freida Davidson

Citigate Dewe Rogerson

Tel: [phone]