The Planning Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 21 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications. The meeting's agenda included applications for development sites at 47-50 Poland Street and 54-57 Great Marlborough Street, the London Westbourne Hotel, The London Library, and a change of use application for premises at 42-49 St Martin's Lane.

Development Site at 47-50 Poland Street and 54-57 Great Marlborough Street, London

The committee was scheduled to consider a variation of conditions for a development site located at 47-50 Poland Street and 54-57 Great Marlborough Street, London. The application, submitted by Gallen Trading Corporation Ltd, sought to amend an existing planning permission granted in September 2023. The proposed amendments included changes to the energy strategy, the addition of a fire fighting core, alterations to the elevation on Great Marlborough Street, relocation of the substation, and adjustments to the servicing strategy and internal layout. The report pack indicated a recommendation to grant conditional permission, subject to a deed of variation to secure public highway dedication and a walkways agreement. Concerns were raised by the Soho Society and local residents regarding the relocation of servicing to Poland Street, potential congestion, and the visual impact of rooftop plant.

London Westbourne Hotel, 100-102 Westbourne Terrace, London, W2 6QE

Two applications concerning the London Westbourne Hotel were scheduled for discussion.

The first application (RN: 25/08459/FULL & 25/08460/LBC), submitted by Capilon Props WT Ltd, sought planning permission and listed building consent for the erection of lower ground and ground floor extensions to the front and rear of the rear infill building. The proposal aimed to facilitate the provision of one additional hotel bedroom, along with alterations to fenestration and the installation of Juliet balconies. Objections from neighbouring residents cited concerns about loss of amenity, design impact, and overlooking. The report pack recommended granting conditional planning permission and listed building consent.

The second application (RN: 25/09332/FULL & 25/09333/LBC), also from Capilon Props WT Ltd, sought planning permission and listed building consent for alterations to the secondary pitch of the mansard roof to facilitate the installation of air-to-air heat pumps. The proposal also included alterations to the front façade and fenestration. Objections were raised regarding visual pollution from plant equipment, harm to the listed building, and noise and vibration from the heat pumps. The report pack recommended granting conditional planning permission and listed building consent.

The London Library, 14 St James's Square, London, SW1Y 4LG

The committee was scheduled to consider applications for planning permission and listed building consent for alterations to The London Library. The proposals included the installation of a new lift shaft within the existing lightwell to provide access to all levels, the creation of a members' room at sixth floor level with a connected roof terrace at fifth floor level, and new roof plant including PV panels. Objections were received from neighbouring occupiers concerning noise, loss of daylight, privacy, and light pollution. The report pack recommended granting conditional planning permission and listed building consent, noting that while there would be less than substantial harm to heritage assets, this was outweighed by public benefits such as improved accessibility and support for a cultural institution.

42-49 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4EJ

An application for a change of use at 42-49 St Martin's Lane, London, was scheduled for discussion. The proposal sought to change the use from gym space (Class E) to a Live Music Jazz Venue with a sit-down food and drink offering (sui generis) on the ground floor, lower basement, and sub-basement. The application also included the installation of mechanical plant. Objections were raised by residents and the Covent Garden Community Association regarding noise, disturbance, servicing, and the intensification of use. The report pack recommended granting conditional permission, subject to conditions addressing noise, servicing hours, waste management, and operational controls.