The Planning Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss three planning applications, a Tree Preservation Order, and to review previous minutes. The meeting's agenda included proposals for new residential units at Romney House, alterations to a property at Sandringham Court, and the display of LED screens at 39 Charing Cross Road.

Tree Preservation Order No. 727 at 75 Carlton Hill

A key item scheduled for discussion was the confirmation of Tree Preservation Order (TPO) No. 727, concerning a Tree of Heaven located in the rear garden of 75 Carlton Hill, London, NW8 0EN. The TPO was provisionally made following a notification of intent to remove the tree, which was reportedly causing damage to the property and was also proposed for removal to facilitate an extension. An objection to the TPO was received, citing concerns about the tree being an invasive species, its amenity and ecological value, and potential damage to a boundary wall. The council's Arboricultural Officer's report indicated that the tree has significant amenity value and that its relationship with the property could be managed through pruning. The committee was to decide whether to confirm the TPO with or without modification, or not to confirm it at all.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider three planning applications:

Sandringham Court, 99 Maida Vale, London, W9 1UA

This application sought a variation of a previous planning permission granted in August 2019 for the creation of two additional self-contained flats at Sandringham Court. The proposed changes included alterations to the internal layouts of the flats, modifications to windows, the use of part of the existing communal garden as private amenity space for the new flats, and the introduction of patio gardens. The report indicated that officers were satisfied that the original permission had been implemented. Objections from neighbours raised concerns about the loss of garden land, impact on biodiversity, residential amenity, and design. The report recommended granting conditional permission, subject to conditions regarding permeable materials for patios, tree protection, and habitat enhancements.

39 Charing Cross Road, London, WC2H 0AR

The application concerned the display of five internally illuminated LED screens, each measuring approximately 0.87m by 52m, at high levels on the Charing Cross Road and Cranbourn Street frontages of the building at 39 Charing Cross Road. The site is within the Leicester Square Conservation Area and forms part of the setting of several listed buildings. The report highlighted concerns that the scale, height, and length of the proposed screens would create an overbearing visual presence, disrupt the architectural composition of the building, and erode the contrast between the illuminated core of Leicester Square and the more historically sensitive character of Charing Cross Road. It was also noted that the screens could compete visually with the Grade II listed Hippodrome opposite. The report recommended refusing advertisement consent on the grounds of visual amenity and design.

Romney House, 47 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 3DR

This application proposed alterations and extensions at the seventh-floor level of Romney House to create three additional residential units. The proposals included new terraces, photovoltaic panels, green roofs, and mechanical plant. The report noted that while the proposals were considered to comply with relevant City Plan policies, they would not comply with Policy D12 of the London Plan concerning fire safety. Specifically, concerns were raised about the means of escape for future occupiers and the provision of suitable access and equipment for firefighting services. The report recommended refusing planning permission solely on fire safety grounds.

Minutes of Previous Meetings

The committee was also scheduled to review and sign the minutes of previous meetings. The minutes of the meeting held on 14 October 2025 were presented for signing, while the minutes from the 25 November 2025 meeting were noted as not having been agreed and were to be brought to a future meeting.