The Planning Sub-Committee (1) was scheduled to consider three planning applications. These included a significant redevelopment project in Soho, a retrospective application for a building in Wigmore Street, and a proposal to change the use of a unit on Page Street to a hot food takeaway.

Century House, Soho Square

The committee was scheduled to consider a major redevelopment project at Century House, 31-32 Soho Square, encompassing 65-66 Frith Street, 22-25 Dean Street, and 10 Chapone Place. The proposal involved the part demolition and redevelopment of these buildings to provide office and retail uses (Use Class E), alongside new public realm improvements to Chapone Place. The report pack indicated a recommendation to grant conditional permission, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement. This agreement was scheduled to secure provisions such as affordable workspace, financial contributions to the Carbon Offset Fund and local employment initiatives, highway works, and a walkways agreement for access through Chapone Place. The report detailed extensive considerations regarding land use, environment and sustainability, townscape, design, heritage, residential amenity, and transportation. It noted that while the proposal was considered to cause less than substantial harm to the Soho Conservation Area, this harm was to be weighed against significant public benefits, including economic growth, affordable workspace, and public realm enhancements.

18, 20 and 22 Wigmore Street

The committee was also scheduled to consider a retrospective planning application for 18, 20 and 22 Wigmore Street. This application related to the demolition behind a retained front façade and the reprovision of a building with lower ground, ground, and first to fifth floors, including extensions to the rear. The proposal was for dual/alternative use of the basement, ground, and first floors as office (Class E), retail (Class E), or a sui generis use comprising a piano showroom, recital room, offices, practice rooms, restaurant, and workshop space. The second to fifth floors were proposed for eight residential units. The report indicated a recommendation to refuse planning permission due to design and amenity concerns, specifically regarding the excessive plant and ductwork at the rear first-floor level and potential noise issues.

60-62 Page Street

Finally, the committee was scheduled to consider a proposal for 60-62 Page Street. This application was for the use of the vacant unit as a hot food takeaway, to be amalgamated with the existing café at 17-19 Regency Street, creating a mixed-use café and hot food takeaway unit (sui generis). The proposal also included a replacement shopfront. The report indicated a recommendation to grant conditional permission. Key considerations were the acceptability of the takeaway use, the design of the shopfront, and the impact on neighbouring residential amenity, particularly concerning noise, odours, and opening hours. Conditions were scheduled to be imposed to manage these impacts, including restrictions on customer queuing on the pavement and the operation of a delivery service.