Planning application
26/04374/TELCOM
Covent Garden Exchange 30 - 34 Bow Street London WC2E 7AT
Proposal
Three replacement antennas up to 30.3m high affixed to the telephone exchange; replacement of one 26.5m stub tower on roof of telephone exchange building, which will host three new antennas at a maximum height of 25.9m; and additional and removal of ancillary equipment at a high level.
As published by the council, reference 26/04374/TELCOM
Timeline
Dates from the published record
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2 Jul 2026
Received by Westminster
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21 Jul 2026
Added to PlanIndex
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Decision
Awaiting decision
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development. Extensions of time are common.
What happens while it is decided
The process from here
This application is with Westminster for determination. The council publicises it, consults neighbours and technical bodies where required, and weighs the responses against local and national planning policy.
The statutory target is eight weeks for most applications and thirteen for major development, though extensions of time are common. Comments carry most weight while the case is undecided, so check the council portal for the deadline if you want to respond.
About telecoms applications
How this application type works
Telecommunications applications cover masts, antennas and cabinets, most of which come forward as prior approval cases under permitted development rules. The council typically has 56 days to consider siting and appearance only. The need for the network itself is treated as established, so objections carry most weight where they address visual impact or siting.
Nearby applications
Within 500 metres
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26/01927/ADV Awaiting decision
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Display of two externally illuminated banners measuring 8.3m x 0.6m; and an internally illuminated notice board measuring 0.9m x 0.9m. [Linked to 26/00660/LBC]
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25/08113/LBC Awaiting decision
Fortune Theatre Russell Street London WC2B 5HH
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25/07956/LBC Awaiting decision
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Installation of non-illuminated five red hanging stars on the exterior under our canopy measuring 0.45m x 3.34 for temporary period from 10 November 2025 until 05 January 2026. (Linked with 25/07957/ADV)
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25/07957/ADV Awaiting decision
Fortune Theatre Russell Street London WC2B 5HH
Display of non-illuminated five red hanging stars on the exterior under canopy measuring 0.45m x 3.34 for temporary period from 10 November 2025 until 05 January 2026. (Linked with 25/07956/LBC)
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25/07403/ADV Awaiting decision
Royal Opera House Covent Garden London WC2E 9DD
Display of temporary installation of Christmas Installation on the Davis Terrace at Royal Opera House mesuring 2.2m x 9.5m
Other telecoms applications
In Westminster
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26/04688/TELNOT Decided
Tresco House 65 Lisson Grove London NW1 6UH
Installation of 6no. antennas, 3no. cabinets and ancillary works thereto.
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26/04589/TELCOM Awaiting decision
23 - 24 Aberdeen Place NW8 8JR
Application to determine if prior approval is required for a proposed installation of Fibre distribution box, external and internal cables under The Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (England) Order 2015 (as amended) - Schedule 2, Part 16, Class A.
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26/03842/TELNOT Decided
80 Bravington Road London W9 3AJ
Installation of a fixed line broadband electronic communications apparatus outside mythril house 80 bravington road.
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26/03770/TELNOT Decided
British Telecom 41 - 43 Townshend Road London NW8 6LL
Removal of 3no. /Antennas at 20m, 3no. /Antennas at 20.5m and l5no. ERS's at high and ground level; the installation of 2no. Antennas at 20.8m, /no. Antenna at 2l3m, 2no. Antennas at 21.5m, /no. Antenna at 22m and 12no. RRU's at high level; as well as the installation and removal of further ancillary equipment.
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26/03684/TELNOT Decided
16 Stanhope Terrace London W2 2SH
Proposed shared replacement electronic communications apparatus at 16 Stanhope Terrace, Paddington, W2 2SH