The Planning Sub-Committee (2) of Westminster Council scheduled a meeting to discuss several planning applications and related matters. Councillor Jason Williams, Chair of Planning, and Councillors Barbara Arzymanow, Hannah Galley, Patrick Lilley (Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Lead Member for Soho and LGBTQ+ Champion), and James Small-Edwards (Deputy Cabinet Member - Regeneration) were expected to be in attendance. The meeting was scheduled to cover a range of applications, including alterations to a maisonette, a roof extension, and a change of use for commercial premises, as well as management plans for a major development.

Baker Street Development Management Plans

The committee was scheduled to discuss details related to the large development at 19-35 Baker Street, 88-110 George Street, 69-71 Blandford Street and 30 Gloucester Place. This related to applications for the approval of details relating to conditions attached to the planning permission granted on 1 October 2021. The applications included:

• A servicing management plan, which was required to include processes, internal storage locations, scheduling of deliveries and staffing. The plan was expected to consider restricting deliveries to vehicles that fit within the delivery bay and managing arrivals to avoid congestion.
• Details of gates allowing access into the central courtyard.
• A management plan detailing how the 10th floor room and terrace would be used.

The report pack noted that objections to all three applications had been received from residents of Blandford Street, raising concerns about the adequacy of the servicing bay, potential noise nuisance, and security.

The report pack included a summary of the proposed operational management plan (OMP) for the 10th floor rooftop room and south-facing terrace, stating that the space was intended for use by office occupiers and their visitors for activities such as:

café/bar with seating, meetings, seminars and occasional booked events. The hours of operation will be 0700-2100 Monday -Friday.

The OMP also stated that Building Management would control the operation, ensure responsible use, and maintain a 24-hour security and CCTV presence. It also specified limits to the number of people allowed in the rooftop room and on the 10th floor terrace, and stated that amplified music would be played inside the room at a modest sound level with the doors closed.

Whitehall Roof Extension

The Planning Sub-Committee was scheduled to discuss an application concerning 35 Whitehall, which sought permission for a roof extension to create an additional floor for the fourth-floor flat. The application also included plans for:

• Enlarging the lightwell down to the second and third floors.
• Installing a lift to the rear of the building.
• Reconfiguring the existing flats on the first, second, and third floors.
• Partially infilling the rear courtyard.
• Installing plant equipment within the infilled rear courtyard.

The report pack noted that objections had been received from occupiers of Craigs Court House, 25 Whitehall, primarily on amenity grounds, including concerns about loss of light and privacy, and noise.

Dean Street Change of Use

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for 95 - 97 Dean Street, seeking permission for a change of use of the ground and mezzanine floors to a restaurant. The ground floor was currently vacant, and the upper floors were in residential use.

The report pack noted that the Soho Society had objected to the application on amenity grounds and over the potential over-concentration of food and drink uses in the area. The Soho Society stated that the proposal conflicted with the Soho Neighbourhood Plan, which aims to maintain the retail function of the area and avoid further erosion of retail provision.

Star Street Maisonette Alterations

The committee was scheduled to discuss an application for alterations to a lower maisonette at 104 Star Street. The application sought permission for:

• Installing a stair within the front basement lightwell, along with a new door and infill extension.
• Altering the rear patio area.
• Replacing windows.
• Associated external alterations.
• Internal alterations, including changes to the plan form.

The report pack noted that objections had been raised by residents and a local councillor, Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg, citing potential harm to the Grade II listed building and the Bayswater Conservation Area¹, as well as concerns about structural integrity, security, and neighbouring amenity.