Agenda and draft minutes

To note any changes to the membership.

1.1           It was noted that Councillor Paul Fisher was substituting for Cllr Sara Hassan.

To receive declarations by Members and Officers of the existence and nature of any pecuniary interests or any other significant interest in matters on this agenda.

2.1      The Chair explained that a week before the meeting, all Members of the Sub-Committee were provided with a full set of papers including a detailed officer’s report on each application; together with bundles of every single letter or e-mail received in respect of every application, including all letters and emails containing objections or giving support. Members of the Sub-Committee read through everything in detail prior to the meeting. Accordingly, if an issue or comment made by a correspondent was not specifically mentioned at this meeting in the officers’ presentation or by Members of the Sub-Committee, it did not mean that the issue had been ignored. Members would have read about the issue and comments made by correspondents in the papers read prior to the meeting.

2.2.      Councillor Chowdhury declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 2 in that he had sat on a previous Sub-Committee considering a related application.

Additionally, Councillor Chowdhury declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 4 as the application site was in his Ward.

Councillor Fisher declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda items 2 and 3 as both application sites were in his Ward. It was noted that Councillor Fisher had previous contact with Mr Bieda who spoke in objection to item 3, however he had not been in contact with regard to the application to be determined.

Councillor Fisher also declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 4 in that he had sat on a previous Sub-Committee considering a related application.

Additionally, Councillor Fisher also declared that he had previously made comments relating to planning matters in Soho on Soho Radio, but they were not related to any application heard at Planning Sub-Committee.

Councillor Hitchcock declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 2 in that she had sat on a previous Sub-Committee considering a related application.

Councillor Hitchcock also declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 4 in that she had sat on a previous Sub-Committee considering a related application.

Councillor Williams declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 2 in that he had sat on a previous Sub-Committee considering a related application.

Councillor Williams also declared a non-pecuniary interest in agenda item 4 in that he had sat on a previous Sub-Committee considering a related application. It was noted that Councillor Williams had previous contact with Mr Bieda who spoke in objection to item 3, however he had not been in contact with regard to the application to be determined.

To sign the minutes of the last meeting as a correct record of proceedings.

RESOLVED:

3.1      That the minutes of the meeting held on 30 April 2024 be signed by the Chair as a correct record of proceedings.

Applications for decision

4.1       The applications were taken in the following order: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

Upward extension of the existing building (involving removal of existing mansard and replacement with a part two, part three storey roof extension with green roof and PV panels); rearward extensions (from lower ground to new sixth floor levels), excavation to form a new sub-basement level; alterations to the elevations; installation of a ground source energy system and mechanical plant. Works in connection with the provision of an apart-hotel (Use Class C1)

(at fourth, fifth and sixth floor levels), which is to be accessed via a new entrance on Arneway Street via a dedicated reception area at ground floor level; and the enlargement and reconfiguration of the existing hostel accommodation (sui generis) (at sub-basement, lower ground, ground, first, second, and third floor levels), which provides accommodation for (i) students during the academic terms (42-44 weeks per annum) with some stays of up to 51 weeks and (ii) students for stays of up to 10 weeks per annum outside the academic terms.

A late representation was received by Councillor Short (08.07.24)

A late representation was received by Councillor Harvey (08.07.24)

A late representation was received by a resident (07.07.24).

A late representation was by the applicant, Emilios Tsavellas, from SAV Group (07.07.24).

Emilios Tsavellas, from SAV Group, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Anthony Frendo, from Maddox Planning, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Michael Young addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Sarah Williams addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Selina Short addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

RESOLVED:

1. That conditional planning permission be granted subject to the completion of a S106 legal agreement to secure the following planning obligations:

a) A financial contribution of £8,721 to the Westminster Employment Service (index linked and payable on commencement of development); and

b) A carbon offset contribution of £21,432; and

c) The costs of monitoring the S106 legal agreement.

2. If the S106 legal agreement has not been completed within 3 months from the date of the Committee's resolution then:

a) The Director of Town Planning & Building Control shall consider whether the permission can be issued with additional conditions attached to secure the benefits listed above. If this is possible and appropriate, the Director of Town Planning & Building Control is authorised to determine and issue such a decision under Delegated Powers; however, if not

b) The Director of Town Planning & Building Control shall consider whether permission should be refused on the grounds that it has not proved possible to complete an agreement within an appropriate timescale, and that the proposals are unacceptable in the absence of the benefits that would have been secured; if so the Director of Town Planning & Building Control is authorised to determine the application and agree appropriate reasons for refusal under Delegated Powers.

Use of former car showroom comprising part ground floor, part lower ground floor and basement of building for hotel use (C1), alterations including replacement of roller shutter with louvred pedestrian gate and double door and replacement of car lift entrance with a door and fixed glazed panel (Mount

Street frontage), replacement of double door with fixed glazed panels (Park Lane frontage), and installation of plant at ground (by car ramp) and basement levels and in 'Courtyard'/first floor level of central lightwell to Fountain House.

A late representation was received by Fountain House Residents Association (05.07.24)

Tim Bystedt, from Criterion Capital, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Luke Raistrick, from Centro Planning Consultancy, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Alfie Yeatman, speaking on behalf of the Fountain House Residents Association, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Lilley addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

1.  That conditional planning permission be granted.

2.  That OMP be amended to include contact details of Operations Manager to Fountain House residents.

Replacement of the ground floor Dean Street frontage; demolition and replacement of the third floor and construction of a new fourth floor with an

external terrace; installation of a green roof at main roof level; alterations to the façades to include new windows; installation of new plant at fourth floor level in connection with the dual / alternative use of the building as either offices (Class E) and / or a private members' club (sui generis).

A late representation was received by the Soho Society (08.07.24).

A late representation was received by the Meard & Dean Street Residents Association (08.07.24).

Nick Lawson, from Soho Estates, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Howard Jacobson addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Mitchell Barnes, from Framptons Planning, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

David Bieda, representing the Soho Society, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

RESOLVED:

That conditional planning permission be refused.

Reason:

That noise from the proposed roof terrace would unacceptably impact the amenity of neighbouring residents.

Application 1 - Display of an internally illuminated fascia sign measuring 0.5m x 5.9m and an internally illuminated projecting sign measuring 0.6m x 0.6m.

Application 2- Display of an internally illuminated box sign measuring 1.5m x 0.4m on the side elevation facing onto Conduit Place

Sixteen late representations were received by residents (05.07.24 - 07.07.24).

Jon Huddart, from The Bear, Spring Street, Paddington, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

John Zamit, on behalf of SEBRA, addressed the Sub-Committee in objection to the application.

Councillor Paul Dimoldenberg addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

RESOLVED:

Grant advertisement consent.

Reason:

That the internally illuminated fascia sign, projecting sign and box sign were not considered to harm the appearance of the building, surrounding area or fail to maintain or improve (preserve or enhance) the character and appearance of the Bayswater Conservation Area.

Variation of condition 1 of planning permission dated 21st May 2019 (RN 18/10476/FULL) for the demolition of existing buildings behind a retained facade of 2a Bridstow Place and erection of buildings to provide two single family dwellinghouses (Class C3) with integral garages and roof terraces and

excavation of two storey basement and other associated works. NAMELY, to provide an access door to the western dwelling via Bridstow Place; Provide a sedum roof; Increase the height of the terrace railings; Introduce lifts into each property with lift overrun to roof; alterations to rooflights; Introduce Air Source Heat Pumps at second floor level with associated grills; Increase the building height; Relocate the lightwell behind the Botts Mews façade; and reconfigure the internal layout of each dwelling.

A late representation was received by the Hereford Road Association (08.07.24)

James Senior, from Pembridge Developments, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

Rodrigo Moreno Masey, from Moreno Masey Architects, addressed the Sub-Committee in support of the application.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY:

That conditional planning permission be granted.