The Planning Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 4 August 2026 to consider a range of planning applications and a Tree Preservation Order. The meeting's agenda included discussions on the proposed use of a former public house as a hotel, alterations to existing commercial buildings, and the conversion of stables into residential units.

Tree Preservation Order No. 730 - 3 Northumberland Place

A key item scheduled for discussion was the decision regarding Tree Preservation Order (TPO) No. 730, concerning a Magnolia tree located in the front garden of 3 Northumberland Place, London W2 5BS. A provisional TPO had been made on 24 March 2026 following a notice of intent to remove the tree. The report pack outlined an objection to the TPO from Simon Pryce Arboriculture, acting on behalf of the property's owner, who argued the tree had reduced amenity value and that a replacement could better contribute to the local environment. The council's Arboricultural Officer responded, concluding that the Magnolia tree, despite previous pruning and a slight lean, made a significant contribution to public amenity and had a long life expectancy. The Sub-Committee was asked to decide whether to confirm the TPO with or without modification, or not to confirm it at all.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider three planning applications:

27 - 29 Crawford Place, London, W1H 4LJ

This application sought permission for the change of use of a long-vacant public house to a 17-bedroom hotel, with associated front and rear alterations, including the creation of lightwells and the installation of an air source heat pump. Objections had been raised by local residents and the Marylebone Association, primarily concerning the quality of accommodation, waste management, and insufficient cycle storage. The report indicated that the building had been vacant since 2018 and that marketing efforts to find a new public house occupier had been unsuccessful for over three years. The proposal was recommended for conditional planning permission, with considerations given to land use, design impacts on the Molyneux Street Conservation Area, and neighbouring residential amenity.

25 - 30 North Row, London, W1K 6DJ

The application concerned the refurbishment of an existing office building in the Mayfair Conservation Area, including a two-storey rear extension, a two-storey roof extension, and the creation of external terrace spaces. The proposal sought flexible use for the ground floor, allowing for retail, restaurant, or medical services, in addition to office use on upper floors. Objections were received from neighbouring residents and the Residents Society of Mayfair & St. James's, citing concerns about noise, loss of daylight, privacy, height, and design, particularly regarding the potential restaurant use. The report noted that the site was in a transitional area between commercial and residential uses and that the proposed flexible use, including a restaurant, was considered acceptable in principle, subject to conditions to manage impacts on residential amenity. The development aimed to achieve a BREEAM 'Excellent' rating for sustainability.

7 Bathurst Mews, London, W2 2SB

This application proposed the conversion of existing stables and ancillary residential accommodation at 7, 8 & 9 Bathurst Mews, London W2 2SB into three two-bedroom residential units. Associated works included alterations to elevations and roof extensions. Objections were raised by neighbouring residents concerning the loss of the equestrian use, which had operated on the site since 1965. An application to designate the stables as an 'asset of community value' had been reviewed and removed from the council's nominated list due to insufficient evidence of community benefit and local use. The report stated that the sui generis equestrian use was not protected by policy, and the provision of new residential units was supported by housing delivery policies. The proposal included a payment in lieu to the council's Affordable Housing Fund and a car permit-free development agreement. The design of the roof extensions and alterations was considered acceptable within the Bayswater Conservation Area.