Planning application
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Still open. Anyone can comment while the consultation period runs, and comments go to the council rather than to us.
Proposal
Series of investigative works to the North Block. The proposed investigative and opening up works comprise trial pits in third party walls at basement level, the careful removal of plaster in various locations to expose the structure behind, and other physical works to open up elements of the building where required to better inform the Stage 4 design elements within the existing structural context. The locations of the opening up works have been carefully selected to ensure minimal disruption on the historic fabric, and where possible, investigations and openings are proposed in areas of twentieth century construction.
As published by the council, reference 26/02831/CLLB
Application record
- Reference
- 26/02831/CLLB
- Type
- Cert of Law - Prposed works to LB
- Status
- Pending
- Received
- 28 Apr 2026
- Validated
- 28 Apr 2026
- Ward
- St James's
- Postcode
- WC2E 7EA
Site history
Applications at this address on the Westminster register
This site has had 6 applications since 2025: 4 approved, 0 refused.
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26/01251/CLLB Awaiting decision
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Series of investigative works to the North Block.
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26/00145/LBC Granted
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Waterproofing works on the upper terrace of the Somerset House courtyard comprising temporary removal and reinstatement of surface finishes, installation of new concrete upstands and waterproof membrane, creation of a new buried manhole, drainage channel and outlets, and associated works.
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25/08530/FULL Granted
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Variation of Conditions 1 and 7 of planning permission dated 17 July 2024 (23/03681/FULL) (as amended by 25/07330/NMA dated 7 November 2025) for: External works including installation of new plant on roof, brick infill extension, new entrance ramp to courtyard, new handrails in the arched entrance from the Strand, alterations to windows, vents and grilles, access and fire safety works namely, to allow alterations at roof level to form concealed plant areas and slate clad dormers to house ventilation ductwork; installation of plant; facade works and to allow clear glazing in rear windows facing 152-158 Strand.
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25/08532/LBC Granted
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Introduction of new slate-clad dormer extensions on the north and east roof pitches; façade interventions, including retention of existing blind windows to the east elevation; removal of glazed structure from sunken East Wing courtyard and replacement with stone paved floor to create external terrace; new lighting to vestibule; alterations to the East Wing roof to accommodate new plant areas and associated access structures; removal of the 1980s lift shaft, adjoining access corridor and partial chimney breast to enable formation of new openings in party wall with 152-153 Strand; installation of a new lift shaft within the reconfigured lightwell; retention of East Wing Chambers Stair in existing position; partial removal of internal walls within the large seminar rooms; reinstatement of second-floor art gallery within current lecture theatre; adaption of existing cafe space at ground floor level to create new shop, including new openings in party wall to 152 Strand; and other internal alterations.
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25/07330/NMA Granted
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Amendments to planning permission dated 17 July 2024 (RN: 23/03681/FULL) for: External works including installation of new chiller plant on roof, brick infill extension associated with relocated East Wing stair, new entrance ramp to courtyard, new handrails in the arched entrance from the Strand, alterations to windows, vents and grilles, access and fire safety works namely, changes to the description of development and to list the approved drawings and documents in Condition 1.
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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28 Apr 2026
Received by Westminster
-
21 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
Decision expected by 23 June 2026, 8 weeks from validation under the statutory target for most applications. Extensions of time are common and are agreed case by case.
Westminster took a median of 65 days over the applications it decided in the last year.
Who's behind it
Company information only, from the register and Companies House
The Planning Lab Agent, a planning consultancy
175 applications on PlanIndex · across 15 councils · 100% granted
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See their track recordDocuments
Plans, drawings, consultee responses and the officer's report
4 documents on file for this application
A planning file usually holds the application form, drawings and site plans, consultee responses, the officer's report and the decision notice.
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Open the documentsWhat happens while it is decided
This application is with Westminster for determination, against a statutory target of eight weeks. Over the last year Westminster's median decision took 65 days. More in our guide to how long planning decisions take.
About this record
The published feed does not state which type of application this is; the register entry on Westminster's portal will say. Our guide explains the common types.
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152-158 Strand London
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Replacement of shopfronts with new timber framed shopfronts; replacement of existing windows with new windows; replacement of mansard roofs together with localised repair to chimneys and retained stacks; alterations to internal fabric, including amendments to partitions and openings in walls; adjustments to floor levels; introduction of lift cores; removal of two redundant internal chimney breasts at 152-153 and formation of new service risers, with stacks above roof level retained and repaired in situ; and demolition and rebuilding of rear elevation and alterations to roof to enable installation of rooftop plant and acoustic screening.
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152 - 153 Strand London WC2R 2LS
89% historically approved · decision due ~23 Jun
Series of investigative works including core holes and removal of plaster. The proposed works sought will determine if historic construction exists, and allow the structures and services to be inspected. The works have been carefully located to ensure minimal disturbance to the historic fabric of the building while providing essential information about the building's construction.
Awaiting decision 4 docs -
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Waterproofing works on the upper terrace of the Somerset House courtyard comprising temporary removal and reinstatement of surface finishes, installation of new concrete upstands and waterproof membrane, creation of a new buried manhole, drainage channel and outlets, and associated works.
Granted Heritage and listed buildings 24 docs -
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Amendments to planning permission dated 17 July 2024 (RN: 23/03681/FULL) for: External works including installation of new chiller plant on roof, brick infill extension associated with relocated East Wing stair, new entrance ramp to courtyard, new handrails in the arched entrance from the Strand, alterations to windows, vents and grilles, access and fire safety works namely, changes to the description of development and to list the approved drawings and documents in Condition 1.
Granted Amendments Extension Windows or glazing 7 docs -
North Wing Courtauld Institute Of Art Somerset House Strand London WC2E 7EA
Variation of Conditions 1 and 7 of planning permission dated 17 July 2024 (23/03681/FULL) (as amended by 25/07330/NMA dated 7 November 2025) for: External works including installation of new plant on roof, brick infill extension, new entrance ramp to courtyard, new handrails in the arched entrance from the Strand, alterations to windows, vents and grilles, access and fire safety works namely, to allow alterations at roof level to form concealed plant areas and slate clad dormers to house ventilation ductwork; installation of plant; facade works and to allow clear glazing in rear windows facing 152-158 Strand.
Granted Full applications Extension Loft or dormer +1 187 docs