The Planning Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss five planning applications, all of which were for individual sites. These applications covered a range of proposals including extensions, alterations to existing buildings, and the display of advertisements.

1 Hanover Square, London, W1S 1HA

The committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for the partial demolition, refurbishment, and extension of the existing building at 1 Hanover Square. The plans included the creation of a sub-basement, basement, and an eight-storey building, with infilling and stepped rear extensions. The proposal also involved excavating a new sub-basement level, installing new plant equipment, creating terraces, landscaping, and reprovisioning car and cycle parking. The intended use of the building was for retail and/or restaurant on the ground floor and office space on all other floors.

The report pack indicated that the proposal aimed to retain a significant portion of the existing building, described as a deep retrofit with extension. Key considerations for the committee included the justification for the extent of demolition from a circular economy and sustainability perspective, the energy performance of the proposed building, and its impact on the Mayfair Conservation Area and nearby heritage assets. Concerns had been raised by adjoining occupiers regarding loss of daylight and sunlight, and potential noise from new restaurants and rooftop plant. The report recommended granting conditional planning permission subject to a legal agreement to secure financial contributions towards the council's Carbon Offset fund and local employment initiatives, as well as monitoring of operational energy performance and highway works.

Victory House, 99 - 101 Regent Street, London, W1B 4EZ

The committee was scheduled to review external alterations at ground floor level on Swallow Street, including the removal of a restaurant entrance and the creation of a new office entrance with a replacement canopy and stone ramp. The plans also included the replacement of existing plant equipment at fifth floor level and within the lift motor room, and alterations to the rear elevation on Sackville Street to install ventilation grilles.

The report noted that Victory House is a Grade II listed building within the Regent Street Conservation Area. A key consideration was the proposed change of use of the restaurant accommodation to general office space. Objections were received from the Soho Society and the restaurant proprietor, who argued that the loss of the restaurant would be detrimental to a local heritage asset and represented an intangible sociocultural loss. The report concluded that the external alterations were considered acceptable in design terms and that the change of use from restaurant to office, both falling under Use Class E, did not require planning permission.

The London Pavilion, 1 Piccadilly, London, W1J 0DA

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the display of scaffolding shrouds with a 1:1 printed image of the building, alongside three inset illuminated advertising areas. These advertisements were proposed to measure 10.9m x 9.0m, 7m x 9.0m, and 10.9m x 9.0m respectively, and were intended to be displayed until 31 December 2025.

The report highlighted that The London Pavilion is a Grade II listed building within the Soho Conservation Area. Previous applications for advertisements on this site had been allowed on appeal, with inspectors noting the unique context of Piccadilly Circus as an area known for its illuminated signage. The current proposal was considered to be a temporary measure, and the report concluded that, based on previous appeal decisions, the advertisements were not considered to cause harm to the special interest of the host building or the character and appearance of the Soho Conservation Area.

12 Chester Street, London, SW1X 7BB

The committee was scheduled to discuss proposals for 12 Chester Street, a Grade II listed townhouse within the Belgravia Conservation Area. The plans included the excavation of a new basement level, the replacement of the existing rear extension at first, second, and third floor levels with a new extension, and the erection of an extension at the rear ground floor level. The proposal also involved the removal of a kitchen rooflight, extension of an existing terrace, and replacement of existing windows and French doors.

Objections had been received concerning the impact of the proposed basement extension on the building's historic fabric and plan form, and the acceptability of the proposed extensions in design and heritage terms. The report noted that the proposed works aimed to rectify unauthorised internal works and reinstate historic features. The proposed basement was described as a single storey with a floor-to-ceiling height of 2.4m, and a new lightwell was planned in the rear patio area. The report recommended granting conditional permission and listed building consent.

14A Caroline Terrace, London, SW1W 8JS

The final application scheduled for discussion concerned a studio building at 14A Caroline Terrace, located within the Belgravia Conservation Area. The proposal involved the part demolition and extension of the existing garden studio, with new fenestration and rooflights, in connection with its use as a residential dwelling.

Fifteen objections had been received from nearby residents on grounds of land use, amenity, and design. A key consideration was the loss of the building's commercial use as a studio, with objectors arguing it was not intended for residential use and represented the loss of a workshop space. The report noted that the site was located in a predominantly residential area and that the development plan did not afford protection to isolated commercial uses in such locations. The proposal to create a new two-bedroom dwelling was seen as contributing to Westminster's housing targets. The design of the extensions and alterations were considered to be sympathetic to the area's character, and the impact on neighbours was deemed not to be unduly harmful.