The Camden Council Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Monday, 28 April 2025, was set to discuss several planning applications, with a primary focus on the proposed redevelopment of the former Saville Theatre site at 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue. The committee was provided with extensive documentation, including officer reports, written submissions from objectors and supporters, and deputation requests, detailing the complexities and public interest surrounding these applications.

Planning Applications

The committee was scheduled to consider the following planning applications:

135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8AH

This item, listed as Agenda Items 7(1) and 7(2), concerned the part demolition, restoration, and refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed building. The proposals included a roof extension and the excavation of basement space to provide a theatre at lower levels, with ancillary restaurant/bar space at ground floor level, and a hotel (Class C1) at upper levels. Ancillary cycle parking, servicing, and rooftop plant were also part of the associated works.

The supplementary information provided amendments regarding cycle parking spaces and conditions. It also detailed further letters of support received following the publication of the officer committee report, highlighting cultural benefits, design improvements, and economic advantages. Conversely, an objection letter raised concerns about the impact on Phoenix Gardens, the development's scale, and its tourist-oriented nature. Thames Water also provided suggested conditions related to water infrastructure. An amendment to condition 33 was requested by the applicant regarding the theatre's retention in perpetuity, which officers did not object to. An additional condition regarding asbestos surveys was also proposed.

Numerous written submissions were received, including objections from individuals and groups such as Sarah Herriot, Michelle Zin (Seven Dials Housing Cooperation), Garrard Knowles, Beryl McLaren, Bella Ikpasaja, Climate Emergency Camden (CEC), Elizabeth Adams, Jane Palm-Gold, Nancy Hearn, Hannah Turnbull (Soho Society), Angel Daden, Jonathan Harris, Jim Monahan, and Debbie Radcliffe (Bloomsbury Residents Association Group [BRAG]). A submission in support was received from Sir Howard Panter.

Deputations objecting to the application were received from Tom Clarke (Theatres Trust) and Amanda Rigby (Covent Garden Association), as well as Councillor Sue Vincent, the local ward Councillor. Deputation requests in support were received from James Williams and Lloyd Lee (for the applicant).

125 Shaftesbury Avenue, London WC2H 8AD

Agenda Item 7(3) related to the remodelling, refurbishment, and extension of the existing building to provide Use Class E commercial and retail space, amenity terraces, a new public route, relocated entrances, cycle parking, servicing, and rooftop plant, along with associated highway, landscaping, and public realm improvements.

Late representations were received from ATG (on behalf of Phoenix Theatre), expressing support for regeneration but concern over the duration and scale of works, requesting no noisy construction during performance times and proposing a Community Liaison Group (CLG). The Covent Garden Community Association (CGCA) generally supported the redevelopment, noting improvements to the building's appearance and addressing anti-social behaviour, but requested conditions on terrace use and servicing hours. The Seven Dials Trust also generally supported the redevelopment, appreciating revisions to the cornice but expressing concern about the lack of a step-back at the top of the building and the cumulative impact on Phoenix Gardens. Officer responses addressed these points, indicating that construction details would be managed, CLGs would be set up, and impacts on Phoenix Gardens were covered in the main report.

Corrections were noted regarding floor areas, building height, financial contributions, passageway details, room compliance with BRE guidelines, and the number of rooms complying with APSH. Amended conditions were also proposed regarding bird and bat nesting features, CIL figures, walkway agreements, and the erroneous reference to a hotel in the application.

The meeting was scheduled to consider these applications based on the information made public in the report pack, with recommendations from officers to grant conditional planning permission, subject to referral to the Mayor of London, finalisation of conditions, and completion of Section 106 legal agreements.