The Planning Sub-Committee (1) of Westminster Council met on 30 September 2025 to consider several planning applications. The committee, including Councillor Patrick Lilley, Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Lead Member for Soho and LGBTQ+ Champion, and Councillor Md Shamsed Chowdhury, Deputy Cabinet Member - Streets and Lead Member - Edgware Road Champion, was scheduled to discuss applications ranging from the creation of a new garden at Tate Britain to the erection of extensions for hotel and residential use. Members of the public were welcome to attend the meeting, which was also scheduled to be live-streamed.

Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for the creation of a new garden at Tate Britain. According to the Public reports pack, the proposal included:

• Planting and landscaping.
• New paths.
• A pond and water feature.
• Seating and artworks.
• A Garden Classroom building and storage structure.
• Alterations to railings and gates.
• Amendment of a lay-by, relocation of a taxi rank, and new cycle parking.

The Director of Town Planning and Building Control recommended conditional permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement¹ to secure highway works, the stopping up of part of the highway along Millbank and Atterbury Street, and the cost of monitoring the agreement. The report noted concerns from Historic England, the Victorian Society, and Historic Buildings and Places regarding the impact of the landscaping on the setting of the Grade II* listed building. However, supporters argued that the proposals would improve accessibility, biodiversity, and the visitor experience.

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

The committee was scheduled to consider an application to extend the existing St Martin's Lane hotel. The proposal included the erection of two-storey extensions at the second and third floor levels on the northern and southern elevations, as well as a single-storey extension at the main roof level. These extensions were intended to add 62 hotel rooms to the existing building, bringing the total to 267.

The Director of Planning recommended conditional permission, subject to a Section 106 agreement to secure:

• A financial contribution of £53,465 towards the Carbon Offset Fund.
• 'Be Seen' monitoring and reporting on the building's operational energy performance.
• A financial contribution of £18,916.20 towards local employment and training initiatives.

Objections had been received from the Covent Garden Community Association, the Quakers meeting house, the London Coliseum, and three neighbouring residents, primarily on design and amenity grounds.

Trocadero, 13 Coventry Street, London, W1D 7DH

The committee was scheduled to consider an application for internal and external alterations to the Trocadero to facilitate its use as a casino, with ancillary bars and dining facilities. The proposal also included a Class E (restaurant or retail) use at ground floor level, as well as external alterations to the facades, including a new canopy and refurbished windows and doors.

The Director of Town Planning and Building Control recommended granting conditional permission and listed building consent. The Soho Society had objected to the proposal, raising concerns about the cumulative impact of another gambling venue in the area.

2 Chesterfield Street, London, W1J 5JF

The committee was scheduled to consider an application 2 Chesterfield Street for the creation of a separate lower ground floor flat, the removal of the existing roof structure, the creation of a new sheer extension to the fourth floor level, and the recreation of the roof structure above the fourth floor level. A separate listed building application was also submitted for the removal of an existing stair, a new stair and introduction of a new lift, and the reuse and reconfiguration of an existing stair at the lower ground floor and second floor.

The Director of Town Planning and Building Control recommended refusing both the planning permission and listed building consent, citing concerns about the design and the impact on the character of the Mayfair Conservation Area.

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

The committee was scheduled to consider an application relating to Shaw House, for the demolition of the existing fourth-floor mansard and the erection of a replacement sheer fourth floor and new fifth-floor mansard. The proposal also included extensions at the rear basement level and the creation of courtyards/terraces. The intended use of the extended building was for 16 flats let on a short-term basis, an increase of six.

The Director of Town Planning and Building Control recommended refusing permission, citing concerns about the townscape and design. While the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum supported the proposal, objections were received from neighbouring owners/occupiers regarding the scale, impact on heritage assets, and potential loss of light and privacy.