The Camden Council Planning Committee met on 28 April 2025 to consider planning applications, including major developments requiring significant financial contributions or involving non-residential floorspace exceeding 1,000 square metres. The meeting was scheduled to cover three planning applications, with a focus on developments in the Holborn and Covent Garden wards.

Here’s a summary of the key items that were listed on the agenda:

Odeon, 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue

The committee was scheduled to consider two related applications (2024/0993/P and 2024/1005/L) concerning the Odeon Cinema, 135-149 Shaftesbury Avenue. The proposal involves part demolition, restoration, and refurbishment of the existing Grade II listed building to provide a theatre, ancillary restaurant/bar space, and a hotel.

The committee was to consider the report of the Executive Director Supporting Communities, and representations that had been received. These included objections from:

• Sarah Herriot
• Michelle Zin on behalf of Seven Dials Housing Cooperation
• Garrad Knowles
• Beryl Mclaren
• Bella Ikpasaja
• Climate Emergency Camden (CEC)
• Elizabeth Adams
• Jane Palm-Gold
• Nancy Hearn
• Hannah Turnbull on behalf of the Soho Society¹
• Angel Daden
• Jonathan Harris
• Jim Monahan
• Debbie Radcliffe on behalf of Bloomsbury Residents Association Group (BRAG)
• J. Mckay
• Richard Cohen

A written submission in support of the application was received from Sir Howard Panter.

Deputations objecting to the application were received from:

• Tom Clarke of the Theatres Trust
• Amanda Rigby on behalf of the Covent Garden Association
• Councillor Sue Vincent, local ward Councillor

Deputation requests in support of the application were received from:

• James Williams
• Lloyd Lee (for applicant)

The Executive Director Supporting Communities recommended that the committee grant conditional planning permission, following referral to the Mayor of London² for his direction, finalisation of detailed wording for conditions following consultation with the Mayor, and completion of a section 106 legal agreement³. They also recommended granting conditional listed building consent.

Key aspects of the proposal included:

• Loss of the existing cinema facility.
• Provision of a new theatre and 220-bedroom hotel.
• Restoration of original features of the Grade II listed building.
• Excavation of additional basement levels.
• Consideration of daylight and sunlight levels of surrounding properties.
• A proposed carbon offset contribution.

The report noted that the development would cause a high level of less than substantial harm to the application site, a moderate level of less than substantial harm to the Denmark Street Conservation Area and a minor level of less than substantial harm to the Seven Dials Conservation Area. The proposals would also cause a moderate level of harm to the locally listed Phoenix Gardens.

The report stated that the harms identified would be outweighed by the benefits.

125 Shaftesbury Avenue

The committee was scheduled to consider an application (2024/5408/P) for 125 Shaftesbury Avenue, concerning 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.

The Executive Director Supporting Communities recommended that the committee grant conditional planning permission subject to a section 106 legal agreement.

Key aspects of the proposal included:

• Retention of the office use and extension of the building.
• Provision of a new public route.
• Relocation of the office entrance.
• Associated highway, landscaping, and public realm improvements.

The report stated that the development would deliver substantial land use, employment and economic benefits, including a significant payment towards housing and the public realm. The design of the building extensions and alterations was considered to represent high-quality architecture.

Other Matters

The agenda also included standard items such as apologies for absence, declarations of interest, announcements, and confirmation of the minutes of the previous meeting.