The Planning Sub-Committee (3) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 13 October 2026 to consider four planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for a major redevelopment at 10 Victoria Street, approved alterations to the London Westbourne Hotel at 100-102 Westbourne Terrace, deferring a decision on one application for further assessment, and granted conditional advertisement consent for a mural at 18 Mercer Street.

10 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0NN

The committee granted conditional planning permission for the demolition and redevelopment of 10-18 and 20 Victoria Street to provide a new 12-storey office building with ground-floor mixed uses. The decision was subject to the views of the Mayor of London and the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement will secure significant financial contributions towards climate mitigation and carbon reduction projects, local employment and skills initiatives, and highway works.

The redevelopment will result in a substantial increase in office floorspace, estimated to support over 1,170 jobs once operational. The proposal was justified under Policy 43 of the City Plan, which allows for substantial demolition if public benefits outweigh environmental impacts. While the development exceeds embodied carbon thresholds, these will be offset through financial contributions. The design incorporates public realm improvements and urban greening, meeting the London Plan's Urban Greening Factor target.

Concerns were raised regarding the impact on heritage assets, including Westminster Abbey's Great Cloisters and St James's Palace, with officers concluding a very low degree of harm to the former and low degree of harm to the latter. This harm was deemed to be outweighed by the significant public benefits of the scheme. Archaeological interest in the site was also a consideration, with conditions imposed to ensure appropriate investigation and mitigation.

The decision was approved with three votes in favour and two against.

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

The committee considered two applications relating to the London Westbourne Hotel:

• Erection of lower ground and ground floor extensions and alterations to fenestration (25/08459/FULL & 25/08460/LBC): This application sought permission for extensions to the rear infill building to create one additional hotel bedroom, along with window enlargements and internal alterations. Numerous objections were received from local residents concerning loss of amenity, privacy, and the impact on the Bayswater Conservation Area. The Arboricultural Officer noted the poor condition of existing trees, with an obligation for replacement planting. The committee agreed to defer the decision for a site visit and to prepare a daylight and sunlight report.

• Alterations to the mansard roof for air-to-air heat pumps and front façade alterations (25/09332/FULL & 25/09333/LBC): This application proposed the installation of air-to-air heat pumps (AAHPs) and alterations to the front façade and fenestration of the Grade II listed hotel. Objections were raised regarding noise, vibration, visual pollution from the plant equipment, and harm to the listed building and conservation area. Environmental Health raised no objection subject to conditions controlling noise and vibration. The committee unanimously granted conditional planning permission and listed building consent, with an additional condition for a post-installation noise survey.

18 Mercer Street, London, WC2H 9QE

The committee granted conditional advertisement consent for the display of a non-illuminated painted mural on the flank elevation of 18 Mercer Street. The mural, designed by Rob Lowe (Supermundane), would replace an existing artwork and cover a slightly larger area.

The decision was influenced by a previous appeal decision in December 2020, which allowed a similar mural on the same site, concluding it would add visual interest and reflect the area's vibrant character without harming the Covent Garden Conservation Area or nearby listed buildings. Objections were raised by local amenity societies and residents concerning the mural's scale, colours, and potential impact on residential amenity through overlooking and noise from people gathering to take photographs.

The committee found that the proposed mural would not materially differ from the existing artwork in its impact and would not cause undue harm to residential amenity or public safety. The consent was granted for a period of five years.

The decision was approved with four votes in favour and one against.