Soho development consistent with contribution to Conservation Area character, Inspector says

The inspector said in his decision letter  (6-page / 117KB PDF) that the development in a long, narrow cul-de-sac was consistent with Westminster City Council's Core Strategy. He said it would provide the "benefits of bringing a site back into use" and so would "preserve the character of the Soho Conservation Area, the heritage assets to be conserved in accordance with Core Strategy policy CS24."

The proposal, which comprised demolition of an existing three storey building and construction of a four storey commercial and residential building with a roof extension, had been refused by the Council on grounds that the proposed height was "excessive and inappropriate".

The inspector said that the Council's Soho Conservation Area Audit observes that "whilst detail varies, buildings are, overall, of a similar small scale with a few rising above four storeys." The audit notes that "the preservation of the essentially Georgian scale of the streets is particularly important to the intimate character of the Conservation Area." The proposed development's scale shared "that common element already noted in analysing the character of the Conservation Area", he said.

The inspector said that the street was "not designed as a regular terrace" and that each building was individual. "The proposal would be at one end, adjacent to a taller building and so would not disrupt a general uniformity which would continue southwards," he said.

The inspector granted permission for the development with the condition that samples of the material to be used would be submitted to the local planning authority for approval to ensure the materials met requirements in local policies for the local character to be maintained and respected.