This meeting was about deciding on several planning applications in the City of Westminster. The report pack contains what was scheduled to be discussed, but it does not tell us anything about what was actually discussed, or whether any decisions were actually made.

Application to Modify Broadcasting House

The most significant item on the agenda was a request from the British Broadcasting Corporation to modify the Section 106 planning obligation¹ related to Broadcasting House. They requested changes to the Public Spaces Management Plan, specifically regarding public access arrangements.

The BBC proposed to remove public access to the reception areas and the Media Café, citing security concerns as the main reason. They argued that due to terrorist activity and recent protests targeting Broadcasting House, reopening these areas to the public would pose a significant security risk. The BBC provided a security assessment report outlining these concerns and proposed alternative ways to maintain public engagement, such as school visits, community group access, and events at the Radio Theatre.

An objector raised concerns about the validity of the BBC's security concerns, suggesting that the closure of the Media Café was primarily for internal use by BBC staff. They also argued that other public sites in Westminster with similar security risks manage public access effectively.

Application for roof extensions at 138 Grosvenor Road

Another significant item on the agenda was a planning application for 138 Grosvenor Road. The application proposed the erection of an additional storey to each of the four existing residential blocks to provide three additional residential units, a replacement energy, heating and cooling system including air source heat pumps, the installation of photovoltaic panels on all blocks, green roofs, covered bicycle parking and additional waste storage.

The report detailed the numerous objections received from residents and local groups, highlighting concerns about overdevelopment, impact on air quality, loss of daylight and sunlight, increased traffic congestion and parking issues.

The report also addressed the sustainability aspects of the proposal, noting the inclusion of air source heat pumps, photovoltaic panels, and green roofs to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. It concluded that the proposal complies with relevant sustainability policies.

Application for variation of conditions at 47 Rupert Street

The meeting was also scheduled to discuss a planning application for the variation of conditions at 47 Rupert Street.

The application seeks to vary conditions attached to a previous planning permission, which itself amended earlier planning permissions for the addition of a sixth floor to the building for residential use.

The variations sought include the retention of a rear gantry at sixth floor level and a door providing access to it from one of the flats at that level. The applicant also requested an extension of time to complete internal works which would provide a protected internal means of escape from the flats to the stair cores serving the building.

It was proposed to retain the gantry as an additional means of escape for the building’s residents and that this would enhance fire safety provisions and improve accessibility for people with disabilities. The report details the reasons why this is not considered necessary, and why the retention of the gantry is considered harmful to the appearance of the building and to the character and appearance of the Soho Conservation Area.

The report concludes that there are no public benefits which outweigh the harm caused by the proposals, and it therefore recommends that permission is refused.