Westminster City Council's Planning Sub-Committee has approved the installation of air-to-air heat pumps at the London Westbourne Hotel, following a meeting on Tuesday, October 13, 2026. The decision grants conditional planning permission and listed building consent for alterations to the hotel at 100-102 Westbourne Terrace.
The approved plans include modifications to the mansard roof to accommodate the heat pumps, as well as alterations to the front facade and fenestration. The committee unanimously approved the application, subject to conditions designed to ensure compliance with stringent noise and vibration standards.
Concerns had been raised by local residents regarding potential noise, vibration, and visual impact from the air-to-air heat pumps, as well as the removal of trees. However, the committee's decision indicates that these concerns were addressed through the proposed conditions and the assessment of the application.
Noise and Vibration Standards
The heat pumps must comply with specific noise and vibration standards to mitigate impact on residents. Condition 5 of the decision letter stipulates that where noise emitted from the plant and machinery does not contain tones or is not intermittent, the 'A' weighted sound pressure level shall not exceed a value of 10 dB below the minimum external background noise at a point 1 metre outside any residential or noise-sensitive property window. This is to be measured as LAeqTm, representative of the plant operating at its maximum, with the background level defined as the lowest LA90, 15 mins during proposed operating hours. Furthermore, Condition 6 addresses vibration, stating that no vibration shall be transmitted to adjoining premises that exceeds a vibration dose value of greater than 0.4m/s (1.75) for a 16-hour day-time period or 0.2m/s (1.75) for an 8-hour night-time period, as defined by BS 6472 (2008).
A post-installation noise survey will be conducted to ensure compliance. Condition 5(3) outlines this process, requiring the applicant to submit a further noise report with subsequent measurement data of the installed plant, including a proposed fixed noise level for written approval by the City Council. The criteria for a successful outcome involve submitting detailed information on the plant and equipment, locations, manufacturer specifications, receptor details, distances, existing background noise measurements, and calculations demonstrating compliance.
Visual Impact and Tree Loss
Regarding the visual impact, the report notes that the proposals to reorder the front roof pitch and open well for the new plant are acceptable in principle, negating the need for rooftop plant that would be harmful. The alteration of the existing roof timbers is also considered acceptable. Some improvements are proposed to the facade, including the replacement of ground floor utility brackets and the addition of a parapet cornice and moulding to the sixth-floor windows. A condition is recommended to secure further details on these facade enhancements. The report concludes that the works will preserve the special interest of the listed building and contribute positively to the Bayswater Conservation Area.
Concerns about tree removal were also addressed. The meeting documents mention the removal of Ceanothus trees, with one specimen partly uprooted and dead, and another in the rear garden having also died. Under Section 213 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, the owner has a duty to plant a replacement tree of an appropriate size and species in the same location as soon as reasonably possible. An informative note is attached to the decision letter to remind the applicant of this obligation.
Further details on the application can be found in the Public reports pack and the Printed minutes from the meeting.
