In The News

Please find below responses to planning applications by the Marylebone Association Planning sub-committee. Any comments should be referred to Neil Wilson. planning@marylebone.org

17 HARLEY STREET 18/010358/FULL/PP-07338139 Demolition of existing rear link building of 17 Harley Street and demolition behind retained front and part rear facade of 7 Wigmore Place including a new roof extension to create new (Class D1) medical facilities throughout 17 Harley Street and Class C3 residential use at nos 6 and 7 Wigmore Place. Further excavation of 700mm at basement level is sought retrospectively, new external engineering plant installation at 4th floor level, installation of new solar collectors on the roofs of 6 and 7 Wigmore Place, new mansard roof at second floor level. [SITE INCLUDES 6 AND 7 WIGMORE PLACE] (Linked to 18/10359/LBC)|cr|

Comment: The majority of works have already been consented under application 18/10359/LBC. Additional works, as detailed in Planning and Heritage Statement 17HS/PP(LM) clauses 1.5 and 1.6 are generally acceptable.
 The loss of the roof lantern over the main stair is regrettable and would normally be considered harmful to the listed building, however the design does propose an interesting solution that attempts to emulate the appearance of natural daylight through a false LED backed laylight. Whether this can successfully replicate levels of light currently received from the roof lantern is unclear and should be explored further. Continued operation and maintenance of the LED lighting should also be considered when granting Listed Building Consent. On balance, the requirement for additional plant to support the proposed use and preference to conceal the plant rather than relocate to a more prominent position is likely to outweigh the harm to the Listed building and the application should therefore be supported.

JH: 7 January 2019

5 WIGMORE STREET 18/10438/FULL/PP-07483400 Improvements to the main entrance and replacement of the main entrance doors, infilling of windows to rear lightwell and insertion of new roof, removal and installation of new air conditioning units and the creation of a dedicated plant enclosure and roof terrace, and erection of a rooftop extension to contain access stair to roof terrace. (Linked to 18/10439/ADV)

No Objection: Providing the council are satisfied that there is no unacceptable overlooking or noise outbreak from the terrace and plant we have no objection in principle, though we'd suggest the following changes: - rear window reveals recessed to express the original window locations - PPC aluminium louvres and panelling to the front (north) elevation substituted for a dummy natural slate mansard to reduce visual impact on Wigmore Street

JH: 10 January 2019

65 BLANDFORD STREET 18/09605/FULL/PP-07406259 Excavation of a new lower basement level beneath the footprint of the original building in order to enlarge existing dwelling (Class C3). (Linked with 18/09606/LBC)

Objection: The drawings and Heritage Statement accompanying the application lack the detail necessary for a Listed Building Consent. The application for an additional storey beneath the listed building would disturb the original hierarchy of spaces and should be resisted.

JH: 10 January 2019

7 WIMPOLE STREET 18/10653/FULL/IAP00030236-001 Dual/alternative use of all floors as either a single family dwelling (Class C3) or a medical use (Class D1). Minor internal alterations comprising the removal of non-original partitions and false floors within the former dental studio rooms. (Linked to 18/10654/LBC)

No Objection: JH: 10 January 2019

7 WIMPOLE STREET 1810654/LBC/IAP00030236-001 Internal alterations comprising the removal of non-original partitions and false floors within the former dental studio rooms. (Linked to 18/10653/FULL)

No Objection: JH: 10 January 2019

388-396 OXFORD STREET 18/10493/FULL/PP-07474703 Erection of a single storey roof extension to the Oxford Street elevation and a single storey roof extension to the Duke Street elevation, recladding of all the facades on Oxford Street, Duke Street and Bird Street, in connection with reconfigured retail floorspace (Class A1) over basement, ground and first floor levels, office floorspace at second to sixth floor levels. Increase in height of the existing plant rooms, creation of a terrace at fifth floor level (on Duke Street), installation of new plant and associated works.

No Objection: We acknowledge the well considered and detailed presentation of a scheme that would be a great enhancement of the existing building and an improvement to the local environment. Objections have been raised from neighbouring residents regarding loss of light, overlooking and plant noise to 8-13 Bird Street and we would encourage the council to pay careful consideration to these aspects to ensure this is minimised. Overall this is a high quality design that the Association supports. JH: 16 January 2019

22 PORTMAN SQUARE 18/10491/FULL/PP-07466318 Alterations and extensions to existing hotel at ground and first floor levels fronting Montagu Street, Upper Berkeley Street, and Gloucester Place, and extensions at rear first and second floor levels including a terrace at rear second floor level, installation of new mechanical services and relocation of existing plant equipment.

Comments: We have no objection to the proposed massing. However, the proposal does not serve to preserve or enhance the character or appearance of the conservation area and, though the building it replaces is itself a poor contribution to the square, the new design is no more appropriate for its location adjacent to the Grade 1 Listed Home House than its predecessor. Whilst justification is given for the curved corner facing Portman Square, by referencing other similar treatments nearby, the examples given are of taller blocks with prominent corners, often with symmetry in the urban pattern. The use of it here and addition of horizontal banding and brise soleil are arbitrary and give the extension an Art Deco 'Streamline Moderne' appearance that is at odds with the existing building being more reminiscent of an American diner than the rusticated entrance storey to a Georgian town house. The reference to Montagu House's original location does not come through in the final design. Moreover the proposed materials are alien to the surroundings. Whilst we welcome the omission of bulky extensions to the top floor seen in earlier designs the proposal now presented at planning is neither bold enough to justify the incongruity to its setting nor subtle enough to blend comfortably with its context. Earlier and more thorough consultation would have been welcome. JH: 17 January 2019