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Planning and Development Control Committee - Tuesday, 10th June, 2025 7.00 pm
June 10, 2025 View on council website Watch video of meeting Read transcript (Professional subscription required)Summary
The Planning and Development Control Committee of Hammersmith and Fulham Council met on 10 June 2025, and approved plans for a new hotel in King's Mall Shopping Centre, a show venue in Westfield London Shopping Centre, and an extension to the Holiday Inn Express. Councillors also approved the construction of a new underpass for pedestrians and cyclists to run under the A40, connecting the Imperial White City campus and Latimer Road.
Councillor Nikos Souslous, Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee, opened the meeting by paying tribute to the previous chair, Councillor Omid Miri, and thanking Councillors Florian Chevoppe-Verdier and Alex Karmel for their service on the committee. He also welcomed Councillors Callum Nimmo, Lydia Paynter, and Jackie Borland as new members.
King's Mall Shopping Centre Hotel
The committee approved a change of use for Unit 18 in the King's Mall Shopping Centre, to allow the construction of an 89-room 'pod' hotel. The proposal involves converting the former WH Smith unit and basement into a CityHub hotel, a concept that caters to self-sufficient travellers comfortable in a digital environment.
Anissa Aboud, Principal Planning Officer in the North Team, explained that the existing retail unit has been largely vacant since 2020, and that the change of use to a hotel would boost the town centre by attracting more visitors and supporting the night-time economy.
One objection was received from a resident of Ashcroft Square, raising concerns about the need for another hotel, construction noise, and potential crime. However, a hotel needs assessment indicated sufficient demand, and conditions were added to mitigate noise and ensure community safety. A contribution of £200,000 was secured for public realm improvements and community safety.
The Section 106 agreement1 includes clauses to ensure that:
- hotel rooms are not occupied for more than 30 consecutive days
- a community safety action plan is submitted, with a focus on Ashcroft Square and the Live-at centre
- the site will not be used as temporary hostel accommodation
Westfield London Shopping Centre Show Venue
The committee approved a change of use for part of a vacant unit in Westfield London Shopping Centre to a dual-class E/sui generis2 use, to create a show venue for a theatrical performance of Dirty Dancing. The venue will include a multi-level auditorium for around 600 guests.
Anissa Aboud explained that the unit has been vacant since Debenhams closed in 2020, and the new venue would add to the facilities in White City and Shepherd's Bush town centre.
Four objections were received, mainly concerning the late closing time (1am) and potential noise and antisocial behaviour. A final operational management plan will be secured, including community liaison meetings and contact details for reporting noise issues.
Councillor Patrick Walsh, Chair of Audit Committee, noted the site's excellent public transport links, making it well-equipped for managing the dispersal of visitors.
The approved development includes a £275,000 contribution towards:
- community safety
- CCTV
- an 'Ask for Angela' campaign3
- public realm improvements
- economic development
Holiday Inn Express Extension
The committee approved an application for extensions and alterations to the Holiday Inn Express on North End Road. The plans include a six-storey extension fronting North End Road, providing 20 additional hotel bedrooms, and a single-storey rear extension to extend an existing linen store.
Tom Scriven, Deputy Team Leader, explained that the proposal would replicate the scale, design, and detailing of the existing building.
Councillor Nicole Trehy, Chair of the Climate Change and Ecology PAC, commended the inclusion of air source heat pumps and asked about the potential for more climate mitigation, such as green roof space. Mr Scriven responded that a blue roof4 is planned to reduce surface water runoff.
Councillor Ross Melton, Chair of Pension Fund Committee and Lead Member for Energy and Decarbonisation, expressed disappointment in the ambition of the climate-positive impact, but acknowledged that the proposal is policy compliant.
The Section 106 agreement includes contributions towards environmental and safety improvements, and economic development.
A40 Underpass
The committee approved the construction of a new, publicly accessible underpass for pedestrians and cyclists beneath the A40, linking Imperial White City Campus and Latimer Road.
John Sanchez, Deputy Team Leader, explained that the underpass is a key aspiration for both Hammersmith and Fulham and the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, and a long-term commitment of Imperial College.
Sarah Carey, chief development officer for Imperial, said that the underpass would provide a safe and inclusive connection for residents, reducing journey times between North Kensington and White City.
Councillor Trehy raised the issue of safety in underpasses, and asked how the upkeep, monitoring and safety of this underpass would be ensured. Mr Sanchez responded that the design of the underpass has been changed to open it up as much as possible, with clear visibility, lighting, and CCTV.
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Section 106 agreements are legal agreements between local authorities and developers, used to mitigate the impact of new developments on the community and infrastructure. ↩
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Sui generis is a planning term for uses that do not fall within any specific use class defined by the Town and Country Planning (Use Classes) Order 1987. ↩
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'Ask for Angela' is a code used in bars and other venues to alert staff that someone needs help to get out of a potentially dangerous or uncomfortable situation. ↩
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A blue roof is a type of green roof designed to store rainwater and release it slowly, reducing the risk of flooding. ↩
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