The Planning Sub-Committee (2) convened on 2 September 2025, to discuss a range of planning applications and a tree preservation order. The committee granted conditional permission for a capsule hostel at Charles House, 7 Leicester Place, and for demolition and extension works at 103 Clifton Hill. They also chose not to confirm a Tree Preservation Order (TPO) for a tree at 51 Hamilton Terrace. However, the committee refused permission for a roof extension at 9 Churton Place.

Tree Preservation Order No. 717 (2025): 51 Hamilton Terrace, London, NW8 9RG

The committee voted against confirming Tree Preservation Order No 717 (2025), with Councillors Hannah Galley, James Small-Edwards and Sara Hassan voting against its confirmation, and Councillor Ellie Ormsby voting to confirm it.

The order was initially made to protect a London plane tree in the rear garden of 51 Hamilton Terrace, following a notification of intent to remove it. The reason cited for the proposed removal was that the tree was touching an outbuilding. David Morley Architects, representing the owner of the property, objected to the TPO, citing concerns about potential structural collapse of the building due to the tree's proximity. They stated that they were awaiting the outcome of the application to remove it, to prevent a potentially disastrous structural collapse of the building against which it is leaning.

The council's Arboricultural Officer responded that while the tree was touching the building, no evidence had been submitted to show that the building was damaged, could not be repaired, or that the roof could not be modified to accommodate the tree. A structural report by Price and Myers concluded that the existing roof structure would not be able to resist the dynamic lateral loading that the trunk of the tree will impose on the building in a severe storm event, and that removal of the tree seemed to be the option which addresses the current and future structural concerns. The Head of Building Control supported this conclusion, stating that the building was constructed too close to the London Plane tree with no allowance for the tree trunk future growth or sway during storms.

Charles House, 7 Leicester Place, London, WC2H 7BP - 24/08572/FULL

The committee voted to grant conditional permission for the use of the first, second, third and fourth floor levels of Charles House to provide a capsule hostel. The plans also include the installation of new plant enclosures at first floor and roof level, and installation of a service duct from first to roof level.

The application received objections from the Soho Society, the Prince Charles Cinema, and members of the public. Concerns were raised about the loss of office floorspace, inadequate accessibility arrangements, and potential noise impacts on the Prince Charles Cinema and the Church of Notre Dame de France. Hannah Turnball from The Soho Society, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application. Samuel Da Silva Resende, Criterion Capital, and Tarun Cheema, Centro Planning Consultancy, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

The council considered evidence that the existing office floorspace had been continuously vacant and appropriately marketed for 17 months without securing an occupier. They concluded that there was no demand for continued use of the building as offices. The proposed hostel was deemed to increase and diversify visitor accommodation in the West End, supporting the visitor economy. Conditions were included to address noise concerns, limit the length of stay to 90 days, and ensure adherence to a Hostel Management Plan.

9 Churton Place, London, SW1V 2LN - 25/03466/FULL

The committee voted to refuse permission for the erection of a roof extension to turn an existing butterfly roof into a pitched roof, and installation of roof lights at 9 Churton Place. Councillors Sara Hassan, Robert Rigby, and Hannah Galley voted to grant the application, while Councillors Ellie Ormsby and James Small-Edwards voted to refuse it.

The application received both objections and support from neighbouring residents. Objectors considered the roof extension would disrupt the uniformity of the terrace, while supporters considered it would be sympathetic to the architectural character of Churton Place and the wider Pimlico Conservation Area. Councillor Jim Glen, in his capacity as Ward Councillor, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application. Ivan Coffey and Jonathan Ross addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application. Alex Gillott, VWW LLP, Alistair Langhorne, Lab Architects Ltd, and Sunny Jain, the applicant, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

The committee considered that the proposals were contrary to relevant design policy and guidance, and that the proposed roof extension, because of its height, form, and design, would disrupt the uniformity of the terrace in Churton Place, harm the appearance of the building and fail to maintain or improve the character and appearance of the Pimlico Conservation Area.

103 Clifton Hill, London, NW8 0JR - 25/02230/FULL and 25/02231/LBC

The committee voted unanimously to grant conditional permission and listed building consent for the demolition of the garage and erection of a two-storey side extension at lower ground and ground floor levels, including excavation to a depth of 1.5m, and extension of rear lower ground floor terrace and associated external alterations at 103 Clifton Hill.

The application received objections from neighbouring residents, raising concerns regarding the impact the proposals in design and heritage terms, and on residential amenity. Jorge Pikunic addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

The committee considered that the proposals were acceptable in design terms and would not harm the appearance of the building or heritage assets, nor have an unacceptable impact on neighbouring residential amenity.