The Strategic Planning Committee of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss a range of planning applications and a matter concerning the London Squares Preservation Act. Key items on the agenda included proposed alterations to Cavendish Square to facilitate subsoil development and improvements to the public open space, as well as a planning application for a change of use at 61 Harewood Avenue to a street cleansing vehicle depot.

Cavendish Square: Application under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for consent under the London Squares Preservation Act 1931¹ concerning Cavendish Square². This Act aims to protect designated London squares from built development. The application sought approval for alterations to the surface of Cavendish Square that are deemed reasonably necessary and proper to enable the development of the subsoil. This includes improvements to the public open space. The proposals are linked to an extant planning permission to convert the underground car park beneath the square for commercial uses, which would necessitate changes at surface level, such as new entrances and landscaping. The agenda indicated that the proposed works would be assessed against the Act's provisions, which allow for surface works if they do not interfere with the square's use as an ornamental garden, pleasure ground, or space for play, rest, or recreation. The report suggested that the proposed changes, including reinstating and creating new pathways, replacing existing structures with new ones of similar scale, and introducing sub-surface rainwater harvesting, would comply with the Act. Enhancements to the garden, such as new entrances, improved railings, and new lighting, were also to be considered. A significant aspect of the proposal involved the temporary closure of the square, with the entire open space closed for 4.4 years, and the southern part remaining closed for an additional 2.6 years to facilitate the construction and landscape enhancements.

Planning Application: 61 Harewood Avenue, London, NW1 6PA

A planning application was scheduled for discussion regarding the change of use of a single-storey building at 61 Harewood Avenue³ from a former Meals on Wheels distribution hub (Sui Generis use class)⁴ to a street cleansing vehicle depot (also Sui Generis). The proposal includes internal and external alterations to accommodate vehicle storage, bin storage, and cycle facilities, along with new plant and services. This new depot is intended to replace an existing facility at Lisson Grove Council offices, which is slated for redevelopment.

Key considerations for this application included the land use acceptability, the impact on the character and appearance of the area, the amenity of neighbouring residential properties, and transportation effects. Objections had been received from ward councillors, the St Marylebone Society, and local residents on grounds including noise, traffic, loss of parking, public health risks, light pollution, and anti-social behaviour. The applicant had engaged in pre-application community consultation, and the proposal included measures such as a detailed Operational Management Plan, a Transport Note, and a Fire Statement to address concerns. The report indicated that the proposed depot would house 39 vehicles, including electric sweepers and cargo bicycles, and would operate between 5 am and 10 pm daily. Environmental considerations, including air quality, flood risk, and land contamination, were to be assessed, as were townscape, design, and heritage impacts. The report also detailed considerations regarding residential amenity, specifically privacy, noise and vibration, light pollution, and odour. Transportation aspects, including highway impact, accessibility, servicing, waste storage, cycle storage, and parking, were also on the agenda. Finally, fire risk, safety and security, and public health risks associated with the proposed use were to be reviewed.