The Planning Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 7th April 2026 to consider three planning applications. The committee unanimously approved all three applications: a national memorial in St. James's Park, extensions to a dwelling in Dean's Mews, and the creation of a roof terrace at 16 Thayer Street.

St. James's Park National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II

The committee unanimously granted conditional planning permission and listed building consent for the partial relandscaping of St. James's Park to create a National Memorial to Queen Elizabeth II. The project includes the installation of figurative sculptures, a replacement bridge, works to Marlborough Gates, and the relocation of public conveniences, a kiosk, gas lamps, and The Boy statue.

Concerns were raised by objectors, including the Queen Anne's Gate Residents' Association, regarding the potential harm to the park's historic landscape, over-formalisation, impact on public enjoyment, crime, ecological impacts, and the precedent for further monumentalisation. The Thorney Island Society, however, spoke in support, having been reassured on points regarding bottlenecks, wildflower meadows, lighting, and the safety of the glass balustrades. Historic England advised that while the proposals cause less than substantial harm to heritage assets, this was outweighed by substantial public benefits.

The committee proposed an amendment to condition 16 to include details of tree transplanting and an additional informative requesting the applicant explore replanting the 31 trees to be removed.

4 Dean's Mews, London, W1G 9EF

The committee unanimously approved conditional planning permission and listed building consent for the removal of existing roof features and the creation of a single-storey extension at 4 Dean's Mews. The proposal also includes the excavation of a single-storey basement, installation of replacement windows and doors, internal and external refurbishment, and the installation of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs).

Objections were received from neighbours and the Marylebone Association concerning the impact on the Harley Street Conservation Area, daylight and sunlight, construction impacts, sustainability, noise, and privacy. The applicant's team and objectors addressed the committee. The committee requested that informative 7 of the full application specifically reference neighbouring businesses in Harley Street and Dean's Mews regarding keeping residents informed during construction.

Flat 3, 16 Thayer Street, London, W1U 3JU

The committee unanimously granted conditional planning permission for the installation of safety railings, decking, and a planter, and the retention of a lowered section of parapet wall at Flat 3, 16 Thayer Street, in connection with the use of the flat roof of the back addition as a roof terrace.

Objections were raised by neighbours regarding noise nuisance, loss of privacy, and the visual impact on the building and surrounding areas. Supporting comments noted that the terrace had been in use for several years without noise disturbance. The committee proposed a condition requiring additional screening on the south-facing elevation of the proposed terrace.