Selfridges' plan to open a members club within its Oxford Street store has hit a potential snag, with noise concerns raised during a Westminster Council Planning Sub-Committee (1) meeting on Tuesday, 24 June 2025.
The department store has applied for permission to use part of its fourth floor for either a members club (Sui Generis) for a temporary period of up to 50 years or for retail purposes (Class E), including a canopy on the existing fourth floor terrace at the north-eastern corner of the SWOD building, new plant and other associated works.
According to the meeting summary, one letter of objection was received, citing concerns about construction noise and privacy. The key considerations for the committee included the proposal's design, its impact on the listed building, its effect on nearby heritage assets, and its impact on neighbouring residential properties.
The agenda for the meeting also included discussion of planning applications for 22 Chapter Street, 53 Chandos Place, and 14A Caroline Terrace. The minutes from the previous meeting on 13 May 2025, chaired by Councillor Patrick Lilley (Deputy Cabinet Member for Economic Development, Lead Member for Soho and LGBTQ+ Champion), were also reviewed. Councillors Md Shamsed Chowdhury (Deputy Cabinet Member - Streets and Lead Member - Edgware Road Champion), Elizabeth Hitchcock, Iman Less (Night Time Champion), and Paul Fisher were also in attendance.
The application for 22 Chapter Street, involving a school expansion, also faced objections, with 53 letters raising concerns about noise, design, and environmental impact. However, 10 letters of support were received, welcoming the enhancement of educational opportunities and the inclusion of green space. The report notes that the council's environmental health officer stated that although the applicant fails to meet Westminster's City Plan Policy 33C, the actual impact associated with the residual noise is not considered significant.
The report regarding Selfridges notes that the key considerations are the acceptability of the proposal in design terms, the acceptability of the alterations to the listed building, the impact of the proposal on the setting of other nearby designated heritage assets, and the impact on the amenity of neighbouring residential properties.