Westminster Council's Planning Sub-Committee has addressed concerns from the Belgravia Forum regarding a proposed basement excavation at 12 Chester Street. The forum voiced objections to the plan, arguing that the basement represents overdevelopment that would disrupt the character of the Grade II listed building.
The Planning Sub-Committee (2) convened on Tuesday 22 July 2025, to discuss the application for 12 Chester Street. The proposal includes the excavation of a new basement level, replacement of an existing rear extension, erection of an extension at rear ground floor level, removal of a rooflight, extension of an existing terrace, and replacement of existing windows and French doors. The Director of Town Planning & Building Control recommended granting conditional permission for the application.
The Belgravia Neighbourhood Forum raised concerns that the proposed basement represents overdevelopment, which would unbalance the character of the listed building. They also cited environmental concerns, increased disruption from construction, and argued that the proposal should be assessed on its own merits and not on precedent. The specific environmental concerns included the basement being environmentally unsound. The Director of Town Planning & Building Control, however, recommended granting conditional permission.
The committee, composed of Councillors Sara Hassan, Paul Fisher, Ellie Ormsby, James Small-Edwards and Barbara Arzymanow, considered the key issues:
- The acceptability of the proposed basement on the building.
- The design of the proposed extensions.
- The impact on the Belgravia Conservation Area and nearby heritage assets, such as the grade II listed buildings adjoining the site.
- The impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties.
The Director of Town Planning & Building Control recommends to:
- Grant conditional permission.
- Agree the reasons for granting listed building consent as set out in the draft decision notice.