The Planning Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 2nd September 2025, deciding on three planning applications and one Tree Preservation Order. Permission was granted for a capsule hostel at Charles House, a roof extension at 9 Churton Place was refused, and a side extension at 103 Clifton Hill was approved. The committee also decided not to confirm a Tree Preservation Order for a London plane tree at 51 Hamilton Terrace.

Tree Preservation Order No. 717 (2025): 51 Hamilton Terrace, London, NW8 9RG

The committee voted not to confirm Tree Preservation Order No. 717 (2025), which had been provisionally made to protect a London plane tree at 51 Hamilton Terrace¹. The order was made following a notification of intent to remove the tree, which was reportedly touching an outbuilding in the rear garden. Objectors, represented by David Morley Architects, argued that the tree posed a structural risk to the outbuilding and that its removal was necessary to ensure safety. They provided reports from structural engineers Price and Myers and advice from the Head of Building Control at Westminster City Council, who concluded that the building was not designed to withstand the tree's sway and could sustain structural damage. Despite the council's Arboricultural Officer initially stating that evidence of damage or inability to modify the building had not been provided, the weight of the structural reports and the potential for future damage led to the decision not to confirm the order. Councillors Galley, Small-Edwards, and Hassan voted against confirmation, while Councillor Ormsby voted to confirm it.

Charles House, 7 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BP

Unanimous approval was granted for the change of use of the first to fourth floors of Charles House from office space to a 230-bed capsule hostel. The decision was made subject to conditions including noise monitoring and a 90-day limitation on the length of stay for guests. Objections were raised by the Soho Society, the Prince Charles Cinema, and local residents, primarily concerning the loss of office floorspace, inadequate accessibility, and potential noise impacts on the cinema and the adjacent Church of Notre Dame de France. The applicant provided marketing evidence demonstrating a lack of demand for the office space over a 17-month period. A Hostel Management Plan was also submitted, outlining 24/7 staffing and CCTV to ensure good management and minimise anti-social behaviour. Conditions were imposed to limit noisy construction hours to protect the cinema's afternoon screenings and to ensure adequate noise insulation between the hostel and the cinema. The proposal was deemed acceptable in land use, design, amenity, and highways terms, aligning with the City Plan 2019-2040 and the London Plan².

9 Churton Place, London, SW1V 2LN

The committee refused permission for the erection of a roof extension to convert an existing butterfly roof into a pitched roof with new roof lights. The refusal was based on design grounds, with the committee concluding that the proposed extension would disrupt the uniformity of the terrace, harm the appearance of the building, and fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Pimlico Conservation Area³. Objections from residents highlighted concerns about the disruption to the terrace's symmetry and the visual impact of the extension. Supporters argued that the extension would be sympathetic to the area's character and allow a family to expand their home. Despite the applicant's arguments that the extension would provide usable space and comply with certain policies, the committee found that the harm to the conservation area, considered to be less than substantial, was not outweighed by public benefits. The decision was supported by Councillors Hassan, Rigby, and Galley, while Councillors Ormsby and Small-Edwards voted to refuse.

103 Clifton Hill, London, NW8 0JR

Conditional permission and listed building consent were unanimously granted for the demolition of a garage and the erection of a two-storey side extension at lower ground and ground floor levels at 103 Clifton Hill⁴. The proposal also included extending the rear lower ground floor terrace. The property is a Grade II listed building within the St John's Wood Conservation Area. Objections were received from neighbours regarding design, heritage impact, and residential amenity. However, the committee found that the extension would be subservient to the host building and would not significantly diminish the architectural significance of the neighbouring Grade II listed building at 105 Clifton Hill. The design was considered to present a modest improvement to the townscape compared to the existing garage. A living green roof was incorporated into the design, aligning with biodiversity policies. Conditions were imposed to protect trees on the site and to ensure the roof of the extension would not be used as a terrace. The decision was based on the proposals preserving the special interest of the listed building and the character of the conservation area.