The Planning Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council was scheduled to discuss five planning applications. These included proposals for the redevelopment of Tate Britain's gardens, extensions to a hotel on St Martin's Lane, the conversion of part of the Trocadero building into a casino, and alterations to two residential properties on Chesterfield Street.

Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG

The committee was scheduled to consider plans for the creation of a new garden at Tate Britain, involving extensive landscaping, the erection of a garden classroom building, and associated works to the public realm and highway. The proposal included the removal and alteration of existing railings and gates, the amendment of a lay-by, and the relocation of a taxi rank. The report pack indicated a recommendation to grant conditional permission subject to a Section 106 legal agreement, and conditional listed building consent. Key considerations included the impact on land use, environment and sustainability, biodiversity, townscape, design, heritage, residential amenity, and transportation. Concerns were raised by national amenity societies regarding the landscaping's impact on the setting of the Grade II* listed building, particularly the placement of a Black Walnut tree. The Arboricultural Officer also raised objections regarding the impact on a specific tree, Tree T9, due to the proposed Garden Classroom building.

45 St Martin's Lane, London, WC2N 4HX

The committee was scheduled to discuss plans for extensions to an existing hotel, involving two-storey extensions on the second-floor flat roofs and a single-storey extension at main roof level with a relocated plant enclosure. These extensions were intended to provide 62 additional hotel rooms. The report pack indicated a recommendation to grant conditional permission subject to a Section 106 legal agreement, which would secure financial contributions towards a Carbon Offset Fund and local employment initiatives, as well as 'Be Seen' monitoring of the building's operational energy performance. Objections were received from the Covent Garden Community Association, The Quakers, and neighbouring residents, primarily on design and amenity grounds, citing concerns about overlooking, loss of natural light, and the bulk of the proposed extensions.

Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7DH

The committee was scheduled to consider proposals for internal and external alterations to facilitate the use of part of the Trocadero building as a casino, with ancillary bars and dining facilities. A Class E (restaurant or retail) use was also proposed at ground floor level. The plans included external alterations to the facades, such as a new canopy and refurbished/replacement windows and doors. The report pack indicated a recommendation to grant conditional permission and conditional listed building consent. The Soho Society objected on the grounds of cumulative impact and over-concentration of late-night entertainment uses, arguing that the proposal would undermine the area's character and residential amenity. However, the report noted that the proposed use would replace existing entertainment and restaurant uses and that a comprehensive Operational Management Plan would be secured by condition to mitigate potential issues.

2 Chesterfield Street, London, W1J 5JF

The committee was scheduled to consider applications for the creation of a separate lower ground floor flat, the removal of the existing roof structure above the third floor, the creation of a new sheer extension to the fourth floor, and the recreation of a roof structure above the fourth floor, along with internal and external alterations. A separate listed building application was also to be considered for the removal and replacement of stairs and the introduction of a new lift. The report pack recommended refusal for both planning permission and listed building consent on townscape and design grounds, citing harm to the Grade II listed building and the Mayfair Conservation Area. Objections were received from the Residents' Society of Mayfair and St James's, and the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum supported the roof extension, provided materials aligned with the architectural heritage.

Shaw House, 6 Chesterfield Street, London, W1J 5JQ

The committee was scheduled to discuss plans for the demolition of the existing fourth-floor mansard roof and the erection of a replacement sheer fourth floor and a new fifth-floor mansard, with a plant enclosure and green roof. The proposals also included extensions at the rear basement level, the creation of courtyards/terraces, and alterations to the front and rear facades. These works were in connection with the use of the extended building as 16 flats for short-term letting. The report pack recommended refusal on townscape and design grounds, citing unacceptable harm to the building's appearance, the setting of neighbouring listed buildings, and the Mayfair Conservation Area. Objections were received from neighbouring occupants on various grounds, including intensification of use, amenity impacts, and scale and bulk. The Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum supported the proposal, considering any harm to be minor and outweighed by benefits.