The Planning Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council met on Tuesday 7th January 2025 to consider two planning applications. The committee granted conditional planning permission for alterations and changes of use at Park House on Oxford Street, and resolved that had an appeal against non-determination not been received, planning permission would have been granted for a roof terrace at 10 Greycoat Place.

Park House, Oxford Street

The committee granted conditional planning permission for changes to Park House, located at 453 to 497 Oxford Street, London, W1C 2AU. The application sought to allow greater flexibility in the use of the basement, ground, and first floors, which were previously solely for retail. The proposed changes would permit a mix of uses including retail (Class E(a)), leisure (Class E(d)), medical (Class E(e)), restaurant (Class E(b)), and competitive socialising (Sui Generis). External alterations to create new double-height shopfronts were also approved.

The decision was made subject to a number of conditions aimed at mitigating potential impacts on residential amenity and ensuring the continued vibrancy of Oxford Street as a retail destination. These conditions included restrictions on the cumulative quantity and frontage width of non-retail uses at ground floor level, requirements for active frontages, and detailed operational management plans for restaurant and competitive socialising uses. The proposal also aimed to achieve BREEAM Excellent for sustainable design.

10 Greycoat Place

The committee considered the application for the use of part of the seventh-floor roof as a terrace and associated works at 10 Greycoat Place, London, SW1P 1SB. This application was subject to an appeal against non-determination, meaning the decision would ultimately be made by the Planning Inspectorate. The committee resolved that, had the appeal not been lodged, planning permission would have been granted.

The proposed terrace is intended for use by office workers within the building and includes acoustic and privacy screening, as well as an accessible lift enclosure. Objections were raised by local residents and amenity groups concerning potential noise nuisance and visual impact. However, the committee noted that the terrace would be largely hidden from street-level views and that a comprehensive noise assessment indicated minimal impact. A key amendment to the conditions was agreed, requiring the inclusion of details for a planter and planting along the boundary of the terrace facing Greycoat Place. The use of the terrace will be managed in accordance with a detailed Terrace Management Plan, including restrictions on hours of use, capacity, and a prohibition on amplified music.