The Camden Council Planning Committee was scheduled to consider several planning applications, including proposals for outbuildings in residential gardens and a significant redevelopment and change of use at 212 High Holborn. The committee was also scheduled to review written submissions from local residents and community groups regarding these applications.

64 Canfield Gardens, London NW6 3EB

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the erection of an outbuilding in the rear garden of 64 Canfield Gardens, London NW6 3EB. The proposed outbuilding, measuring 5.1m by 5.1m with a flat roof, was intended to replace two existing sheds and provide ancillary space for the ground floor flat. The application documents indicated that the outbuilding would be finished with timber cladding and a green roof, designed to be sympathetic to the South Hampstead Conservation Area.

A written submission was received from CRASH, The Combined Residents' Associations of South Hampstead, objecting to the proposal. CRASH stated that the garden room was too large and that there was no Biodiversity Gain Plan. They argued that the proposed 29.9sqm garden room, taking up 12% of the rear garden area, was disproportionately large and would have a greater environmental effect than the demolished sheds. The submission also questioned the applicant's assertion that a Biodiversity Gain Plan was not required, believing the proposed structure exceeded 25sqm.

The officer's report noted that the outbuilding was considered proportionate to the property and would leave approximately 89% of the garden undeveloped. It was also stated that Biodiversity Gain Plans are typically required prior to implementation, not at the initial planning permission stage, and that the proposal was considered de minimis for statutory biodiversity net gain requirements. The officer's recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission.

The Cottage, 10 Lyndhurst Road, London NW3 5PX

The committee was scheduled to consider a planning application for the erection of a single-storey outbuilding with a green roof, the construction of a decked patio, and the rebuilding of existing garden boundary walls at The Cottage, 10 Lyndhurst Road, London NW3 5PX. The outbuilding was proposed to serve as a garden office with storage and bathroom facilities, ancillary to the main dwelling. The design included fish-scale tile cladding, aluminium-framed glazing, and a biodiverse green roof.

The Fitzjohns/Netherhall Conservation Area Advisory Committee (CAAC) had objected to the proposal, citing concerns that the building was oversized for a small office truly related as ancillary to the host building, capable of being an alternative dwelling. They also raised issues regarding the loss of garden space and the building's proximity to the boundary, suggesting it obstructed maintenance access. The CAAC also noted a lack of construction details and concerns about the base construction in a flood-prone area.

The officer's response indicated that the outbuilding was of a typical size for a domestic ancillary structure and could not be used as an independent residential unit, with its ancillary use to be secured by condition. They also stated that a substantial area of garden would be retained and that the building's location adjacent to the boundary wall would help retain more garden as open vegetated amenity space. The officer's recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission.

212 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BF

A significant application was scheduled for consideration concerning 212 High Holborn, London WC1V 7BF. This involved a change of use from offices (Class E) to a hotel (Class C1), along with external alterations, partial demolition, removal of rear extensions, and the construction of a nine-storey rear extension above basement level, as well as a lateral extension to the existing basement. Alterations to the front elevation and restoration of original features were also proposed. A related application for listed building consent was also scheduled.

The existing building, a Grade II listed property within the Bloomsbury Conservation Area, had been vacant for a number of years. The proposal aimed to create a hotel with 75 guest rooms, a ground-floor restaurant and bar, and a mezzanine co-working space. The officer's report highlighted that extensive marketing had demonstrated a lack of demand for office space at the site, justifying the change of use. The proposal was considered to preserve the significance of the listed building and the character of the conservation area, while also providing economic benefits and contributing to tourism.

Written submissions opposing the development were received from local residents at Holland & Thurstan Dwellings, Newton Street, WC2B 5EP. They strongly opposed the nine-storey extension, stating it would block light from bedroom / Living Room windows and overlook their communal roof garden. Concerns were also raised about noise and air pollution during demolition and construction, and the cumulative impact of multiple large-scale developments in the area. The officer's response indicated that the separation distance would result in negligible loss of light and that privacy concerns would be addressed through specific window designs and conditions.

The officer's recommendation was to grant conditional planning permission, subject to a Section 106 Legal Agreement, and to grant conditional listed building consent.