The Planning Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss a range of planning applications. The meeting's agenda included several applications for development sites and hotels across the borough.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider five planning applications:

Development Site at 47-50 Poland Street and 54-57 Great Marlborough Street, London

This application concerned a variation of conditions for a development site that had previously received planning permission for demolition and redevelopment to provide a hotel, retail, and restaurant/bar space. The proposed amendments included changes to the energy strategy with new plant and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHP), the addition of a fire fighting core, amendments to the elevation on Great Marlborough Street, relocation of the substation, and alterations to the servicing strategy and internal layout. Objections were raised by the Soho Society and local residents concerning the relocation of servicing to Poland Street, potential congestion, noise, and visual impact of rooftop plant. The report recommended granting conditional permission, subject to a deed of variation to secure public highway dedication and a walkways agreement.

London Westbourne Hotel, 100 - 102 Westbourne Terrace, London, W2 6QE

Two applications were scheduled for the London Westbourne Hotel. The first proposed the erection of lower ground and ground floor extensions to facilitate one additional hotel bedroom, along with alterations to fenestration and the installation of Juliet balconies. Objections from neighbouring residents cited concerns about loss of amenity, design impact, and overlooking. The second application sought alterations to the secondary pitch of the mansard roof to facilitate the installation of air-to-air heat pumps (AAHPs) and installation of AAHPs at the rear basement courtyard and rear yard, along with alterations to the front façade and fenestration. Objections were raised regarding visual pollution from plant equipment, harm to the listed building, and noise and vibration from the AAHPs. Both applications recommended granting conditional permission and listed building consent.

The London Library, 14 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4LG

This application involved the installation of a new lift shaft within an existing lightwell to provide access to all levels of the Grade II listed London Library. It also proposed the creation of a members' room at sixth-floor level with a connected roof terrace at fifth-floor level, new roof plant, and the installation of PV panels. Objections were received from neighbouring occupiers concerning noise, loss of daylight, privacy, and light pollution from the roof terrace and plant equipment. The report recommended granting conditional planning permission and listed building consent, noting that while there would be less than substantial harm to heritage assets, this was outweighed by public benefits such as improved accessibility and enhancement of a cultural institution.

42 - 49 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4EJ

This application sought a change of use from gym space (Class E) to a Live Music Jazz Venue with a sit-down food and drink offering (sui generis) across the ground floor, lower basement, and sub-basement. The proposal also included the installation of mechanical plant. Objections were raised by residents and the Covent Garden Community Association regarding noise, disturbance from patrons, servicing, waste handling, and the intensification of use. The report recommended granting conditional permission, subject to conditions addressing noise mitigation, operational management, servicing hours, and waste storage.