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Meeting start time at 10:30am or at the rising of the Planning an Transportation Committee, whichever is later, Planning Applications Sub-Committee - Tuesday, 9th September, 2025 10.30 am
September 9, 2025 View on council websiteSummary
The Planning Applications Sub-Committee met on 9 September 2025, and approved plans to convert the Custom House, a Grade I listed building, into a hotel-led mixed-use development, and to use part of the Sugar Quay Jetty for seating and service related to a ground floor restaurant. The Custom House plan includes a hotel, spa, and ground floor food, beverage, gallery and event spaces, along with significant public realm improvements. The Sugar Quay Jetty application allows for a commercial seating area while maintaining public access.
Custom House Redevelopment
The sub-committee approved the redevelopment of the Custom House, located at 20 Lower Thames Street, into a hotel-led mixed-use building1. The proposal includes:
- Conversion of the existing office space to a hotel (Use Class C1), a basement spa and health centre (Use Class E(d)), and ground floor food and beverage, gallery, and event spaces (Sui Generis).
- Alterations, extensions, and refurbishment of the interior and exterior of the building's three wings.
- Installation of new mechanical, electrical, and plumbing services, including rooftop plant enclosures.
- Implementation of a public realm scheme, including a new river terrace, step-free access, and landscaping.
The committee agreed with the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director's report, which stated that while the works would cause some heritage harm, these would be minimised and outweighed by the scheme's benefits. The committee also heard that key heritage sector consultees, including Historic England, did not object to the plans on heritage grounds.
Sugar Quay Jetty
The sub-committee approved an application to use part of the Sugar Quay Jetty for seating and service in association with a restaurant and drinking establishment on the ground floor of the adjacent Sugar Quay building. The approved plan includes the installation of furniture and perimeter planters and benches.
The committee heard that 59 objections had been received, primarily from Sugar Quay residents, citing concerns about noise, loss of public space, and congestion. However, the committee also heard that the proposed seating area is within an area that was previously designated as private land, and that conditions would be put in place to mitigate any potential disturbance to residents.
Valid Planning Applications and Delegated Decisions
The committee noted the reports of valid planning applications received and delegated decisions made by the Chief Planning Officer and Development Director. These reports are for information only and do not require a decision by the sub-committee.
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The Custom House is a historic building located on the north bank of the River Thames in London. It has served as a customs house since the 14th century, and the current building was constructed in the 19th century. ↩
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