Planning Applications Sub-Committee (1) - Tuesday 29th October, 2024 6.30 pm

October 29, 2024 View on council website  Watch video of meeting
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Summary

The Sub-Committee made a total of six planning decisions, refusing one application and approving the rest, as well as deciding to confirm a Tree Preservation Order (TPO). They also considered a report on a proposed TPO at a private session.

42-43 Chagford Street

The Sub-Committee approved an application for the demolition of an existing four storey office building and the construction of three, four-storey dwelling houses with basements at 42-43 Chagford Street.

The application had been objected to by the St Marylebone Society, who were concerned about the development's impact on the character and appearance of the Dorset Square Conservation Area, its sustainability credentials, and its impact on the amenity of neighbours.

The Society and a neighbour, Mr Jonathan Monnickendam, spoke against the application at the meeting. Despite the objections, the application was approved, subject to a condition to mitigate increased demand for on-street parking.

24 Upper Wimpole Street

The Sub-Committee approved an application for the erection of rear extensions, a new basement level and a replacement three bedroom dwelling house at 24 Upper Wimpole Street. The application site includes 3 Clarkes Mews, a property historically linked to the house on Upper Wimpole Street, which will be refurbished as part of the works.

The application was approved, subject to a number of conditions. These included conditions to protect the trees on site during the construction works, conditions to protect the character and appearance of the Harley Street Conservation Area, and conditions to ensure that the new basement does not harm the structural integrity of the listed building or the amenity of neighbours.

28 Monmouth Road

The Sub-Committee approved an application for the excavation of a basement, the installation of rooflights, the replacement of windows with double glazing and internal alterations at 28 Monmouth Road.

The Sub-Committee agreed with the officer's assessment that the development would cause less than substantial harm to the character and appearance of the Bayswater Conservation Area, but considered that the harm was outweighed by the public benefits of the proposal, including the biodiversity benefits of the green wall and the improved thermal efficiency of the building.

61-64 Strand

The Sub-Committee approved an application by Burger King UK for the change of use of a vacant retail unit to a hot food takeaway at 61-64 Strand. The application also sought permission to install air handling, extraction and air conditioning units at the rear and on the roof of the building.

Councillor Sara Hassan voted against the application, but it was approved by the rest of the committee, subject to conditions.

The Sub-Committee agreed with the officer's assessment that a new extract vent on the rear of the building would cause harm to the appearance of the Trafalgar Square Conservation Area. However, they agreed that this harm would be outweighed by the heritage benefit of the restoration of the building's original shopfront.

11 Little College Street

The Sub-Committee approved an application by the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste for a change of use of a Grade II listed building to an Embassy at 11 Little College Street.

The application was approved, subject to a condition ensuring the change of use is personal to the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste. This means that only the Embassy of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste can benefit from the planning permission. Should they leave, the building would have to revert to its previous use.

Harrow Lodge

The Sub-Committee considered a report on a Tree Preservation Order for a Sweet Gum tree at Harrow Lodge on St. John's Wood Road. The tree is located in a raised planter, and the freeholder of the building, Faraday Property Management, had served notice on the council of their intention to remove it.

They argued the tree was damaging the planter. The Sub-Committee considered this at a private session and decided to confirm the Tree Preservation Order, meaning the tree can not be felled or pruned without the council's permission.