The committee approved two applications for major developments: the demolition and replacement of an office building at 1 Victoria Street with a larger office building that also incorporates retail units, and the demolition and replacement of a car repair garage at 1-4 Eaton Mews West with six dwellinghouses and an office.

1 Victoria Street

The application to demolish the 1960s office building at 1 Victoria Street and build a larger, more energy efficient replacement was approved with conditions.

The replacement will be a part six, part eight, and part nine storey building that incorporates flexible retail, restaurant and leisure units on the ground and lower ground floors, and offices on all other floors above ground, including some affordable workspace on the lower ground floor.

The application was originally submitted in February 2024 with plans to partially demolish the existing building and incorporate the retained part of the building into the new development. This approach to sustainable design is known as the circular economy.¹ However, intrusive investigations of the building's structure in June 2024 revealed significant steel corrosion that made the partial retention option unviable.

The committee heard from Charlie Baxter, who spoke in objection to the application. He argued that demolition and rebuilding is contrary to the UK's net zero obligations, and that the applicant, Stanhope PLC, should have considered retrofitting the existing building instead. He also said that, > Structurally, the claim that the concrete frame has corroded due to a chloride issue is a point of concern. However concrete frames can be strengthened by various means, including carbon fibre bonding.

Responding to these concerns, the committee heard from Helena Morris of Stanhope PLC, who stated that, We have explored all possible options for retaining as much as possible of the existing building. The committee's Chair, Councillor Ruth Bush, also asked the Presenting Officer, Matthew Mason, to confirm that officers had thoroughly considered all the options. Mr Mason confirmed that officers had investigated the structural surveys and explored alternative solutions with Stanhope PLC. He also said that the type of concrete frame used in the existing building is unusual, and that this issue is unlikely to affect other, more conventional, concrete frame buildings.

Councillor Bush and Councillor Rachael Robathan voted against the application.

1-4 Eaton Mews West

The committee also heard an application to demolish and redevelop the existing garage at 1-4 Eaton Mews West. The proposed new building will provide six dwellinghouses and an office building with a green roof.

There was some concern about the close proximity of the proposed House 01 to a protected Oak tree in the rear garden of 10 Chester Row. The Tree Officer's report warned that this is likely to result in pressure from the future occupiers of House 01 to remove the tree, which would be harmful to the amenity and townscape of the Belgravia Conservation Area. This is in contravention of Policy 34 of the City Plan, which states that Westminster Council will protect trees of amenity, ecological and historic value.

The committee heard from George Brooksbank, a director of the applicant, Leconfield. Mr Brooksbank said that he was a resident of Chester Row and confirmed that he is committed to protecting the tree. The committee also heard from Monica Lucas of the Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum who said, This is a very well-designed scheme and the Forum supports it.

Councillor Bush asked Mr Brooksbank if Leconfield had considered alternative arrangements for the residential and commercial parts of the development that might lessen the impact on the tree. Mr Brooksbank replied that Leconfield had explored moving the office to the part of the site nearest the tree, but that this would be problematic in terms of access for deliveries.

Councillor Bush and Councillor Robathan voted against the application.