The Planning Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss a single planning application concerning Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR. The meeting's agenda also included standard procedural items such as noting membership changes and receiving declarations of interest.

Planning Application for Nobel House, 17 Smith Square

The primary item scheduled for discussion was a planning application for Nobel House, a Grade II listed building located in the Smith Square Conservation Area. The proposal sought permission for a change of use from offices to a hotel (Use Class C1), to include 652 bedrooms with ancillary facilities such as a restaurant, bar, and cafe. The plans also detailed a part single-storey roof extension, a new roof enclosure over the western atrium, and associated internal alterations, including new plant and cycle parking. Listed building consent was also sought for these works.

The report pack indicated that the recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission and listed building consent, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement would secure necessary highways alterations around the site and cover the costs of monitoring the agreement. If the agreement was not completed within six weeks, the Director of Town Planning & Building Control would consider issuing permission with additional conditions or refusing the application.

Key considerations outlined in the report pack included the acceptability of losing office space in the Central Activities Zone (CAZ), the environmental and sustainability impacts, the effect of proposed extensions and alterations on the listed building and conservation area, impacts on nearby residents' amenities, and the effects on the highway network. Numerous objections had been received from local residents and property owners on various grounds, including land use, amenity, and highway concerns.

The report detailed the applicant's pre-application community engagement and outlined how the scheme had been revised in response to feedback, such as relocating the hotel entrance to Millbank and reducing the number of rooms. It also referenced Westminster's City Plan 2019-2040 and the London Plan (March 2021) as the framework for assessing the application.

Specific aspects of the proposal discussed included:

• Land Use: The report assessed the loss of office space against policies requiring evidence of marketing and vacancy, concluding that the building was surplus office space. It also considered the suitability of a hotel in this mixed-character area, noting the importance of directing guest access and egress through the Millbank entrance to mitigate impacts on the quieter Smith Square.
• Environment and Sustainability: The proposal was assessed for its BREEAM rating, energy performance, circular economy principles, and whole-life carbon emissions. Flood risk and sustainable drainage systems were considered, with the Environment Agency and Lead Local Flood Authority consulted. Thames Water raised concerns about mains water capacity, recommending a condition for necessary upgrades or a phasing plan.
• Biodiversity and Greening: The proposal was examined for its contribution to biodiversity net gain and city greening, with a green roof and bird/bat boxes proposed.
• Townscape, Design, and Heritage: The impact on the Grade II listed Nobel House and the Smith Square Conservation Area was a significant consideration. The report detailed how alterations would be managed to preserve the building's special interest, with proposed changes to internal features and the roof extension being assessed.
• Residential Amenity: The report addressed potential impacts on daylight, sunlight, privacy, noise from plant and equipment, and odour from kitchen activities. Conditions were recommended to mitigate noise and odour.
• Transportation, Accessibility, and Servicing: The impact on the highway network, including concerns about taxis and coaches, was discussed. The proposal included cycle parking and a single disabled parking space. Servicing and waste management arrangements were also detailed, with a plan to manage waste collection from Dean Bradley Street.
• Economy: The proposal's economic impact, including employment and skills, was considered.
• Other Considerations: Security concerns were addressed, with a recommendation for 'Secured by Design' accreditation. Construction impacts were also outlined, with adherence to the Council's Code of Construction Practice required.

The report concluded that, subject to conditions and the Section 106 agreement, the proposed development was acceptable and consistent with relevant planning policies.