The Strategic Planning Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss three significant planning applications. These included a major mixed-use development at the Travis Perkins building on Harrow Road, an extension and refurbishment of the Ebury Gate office building on Lower Belgrave Street, and the establishment of a Heritage Partnership Agreement for numerous listed buildings owned by the Howard de Walden Estate.

Travis and Perkins Building, 149 Harrow Road, London W2 6NA

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the demolition of the existing Travis Perkins building at 149-157 Harrow Road and the erection of a new building, ranging from 4 to 20 storeys. This development would include the reprovision of a Travis Perkins builders' merchant, purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) comprising 605 bedrooms, and community space. The plans also featured the creation of a canal-side path with landscaping, alterations to hard and soft landscaping, and the provision of cycle parking. The proposal was accompanied by an Environmental Impact Assessment.

The recommendation was to grant conditional permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement would secure various provisions, including affordable student bedrooms, carbon offset payments, contributions towards cycle hire docking stations and employment programmes, tree planting, security improvements, and the provision and maintenance of the canal-side walkway. The report detailed extensive consultations with various bodies, including the Greater London Authority, Transport for London, and local residents' associations, highlighting concerns about land use, amenity impacts, design, sustainability, and highways.

Ebury Gate, 23 Lower Belgrave Street, London

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the extension and refurbishment of the existing Ebury Gate office building. The proposal included part demolition of the ground floor, rebuilding of the sixth floor, erection of a setback seventh floor, and a new eighth-floor plant enclosure. It also involved a lateral extension towards Lower Belgrave Street, the provision of flexible Class E floorspace (restaurant/retail) at ground level, and the creation of terraces with greening. The applicant proposed public realm enhancements and cycle parking facilities.

The recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement would secure carbon offsetting measures or a financial contribution to the Council's Carbon Offset Fund, energy monitoring, financial contributions to the Westminster Employment Service, and funding for the maintenance of street trees. The report noted an objection from a resident of Belgravia Court regarding loss of daylight and outlook, as well as concerns about the height of the extension and construction disruption. The proposal was considered to align with the London Plan, City Plan, and the Belgravia Neighbourhood Plan.

Howard de Walden Estate, London W1

The committee was scheduled to consider the establishment of a Heritage Partnership Agreement (HPA) for works to 311 listed buildings owned by the Howard de Walden Estate. The proposed works, which would be undertaken by or on behalf of the Estate, included fireproofing of doors and floors, secondary glazing, damp proofing to vaults, floor insulation, façade cleaning, repairs to gutters, plaster repairs, and alterations to horizontal servicing routes. The agreement was proposed to last for 10 years, with options for review and renewal.

The report indicated that the proposed works were considered appropriately sensitive to the significance of the buildings as designated heritage assets and would maintain the character and appearance of the surrounding Harley Street Conservation Area. The HPA was recommended for agreement and publication for formal consultation. The report detailed the types of works covered by the agreement, emphasizing their routine and minimally intrusive nature, and their role in adapting historic buildings for modern use and climate change mitigation.