The Planning Sub-Committee (1) is scheduled to consider two planning applications. The first application concerns the demolition of an existing garage and the erection of a new residential building in Widley Road, London W9. The second application relates to the partial demolition, excavation, and refurbishment of a building at 64 Wimpole Street, London W1G, for use as a medical facility.

Widley Road Garage Redevelopment

A report pack details a proposal for the demolition of the existing Widley Road Garage and the construction of a new residential building. The proposed development would provide 17 new homes, comprising six one-bedroom, seven two-bedroom, and four three-bedroom flats. The plans also include external amenity space, cycle parking, and landscaping.

The report outlines a recommendation to grant conditional permission, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement would secure several contributions and works, including:

• A financial contribution of £850,000 towards the Westminster affordable housing fund.
• The provision of early and late-stage viability review mechanisms.
• A commitment to a parking permit free development.
• Necessary highways works to facilitate the development.
• A financial contribution of £61,380 to the Carbon Offset Fund.
• Compliance with 'be seen' energy monitoring.
• The costs associated with monitoring the Section 106 legal agreement.

The report details extensive consultations with various stakeholders, including local councillors, residents' societies, and council departments such as Highways, Environmental Sciences, and Arboricultural Officers. Numerous objections have been received from adjoining owners and occupiers, raising concerns about land use, design, amenity impacts (including loss of light and increased sense of enclosure), highways, biodiversity, and construction impacts.

The report also addresses environmental and sustainability considerations, including compliance with policies on circular economy, whole-life carbon, energy performance, and overheating. Air quality, contaminated land, and flood risk are also discussed. Biodiversity and greening measures, including urban greening factors and tree protection, are detailed, alongside townscape, design, and heritage impact assessments. The report notes that the site is within the Maida Vale Conservation Area and adjacent to the Grade II listed Essendine School.

Residential amenity impacts, including daylight, sunlight, sense of enclosure, and privacy, are assessed in relation to neighbouring properties such as Cleveland Mansions and Essendine Road. Transportation, accessibility, and servicing are also covered, with a focus on car-free development, cycle parking, and waste management.

64 Wimpole Street Medical Facility

A separate report pack outlines a proposal for 64 Wimpole Street, which includes partial demolition, excavation, and comprehensive refurbishment of the existing building. The plans involve internal reconfiguration, alterations to floor levels, and the erection of new accommodation at fourth, fifth, and sixth floor levels. The development also includes rear extensions, a roof terrace, green and blue-green roofs, and the installation of plant equipment, a substation, cycle storage, and photovoltaic panels. The proposed use for the entire building is as a medical facility (Use Class E).

The report recommends granting conditional permission. Key considerations include the principle of the medical use, its operation and hours, and the impact on neighbouring amenity during construction and operation. The effect of the proposed extensions on the Harley Street Conservation Area and the surrounding highway network are also detailed.

Objections have been received concerning the scale of the development, its impact on neighbouring amenity (including daylight, outlook, privacy, noise, and traffic), construction impacts, the adequacy of noise assessments, proposed hours of operation, waste management, and effects on local wildlife.

The report addresses environmental and sustainability aspects, including circular economy principles and whole-life carbon assessments, noting a retrofit-led approach. Energy performance, flood risk, and sustainable drainage are also covered. Biodiversity and greening measures, including green and blue-green roofs, are discussed, alongside townscape, design, and heritage impact assessments, with the site located within the Harley Street Conservation Area.

Residential amenity impacts, including daylight, sunlight, privacy, and noise, are assessed in relation to surrounding properties. Transportation, accessibility, and servicing are also detailed, with considerations for car parking, trip generation, servicing arrangements, and cycle parking. The report notes that no planning obligations are sought for this application.