Planning application
Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
Still open. Anyone can comment while the consultation period runs, and comments go to the council rather than to us.
Proposal
Temporary use of Leicester Square Gardens for the annual Skate Leicester Square event for three consecutive winter seasons commencing in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The proposed development comprises the annual installation of temporary structures and facilities, including an outdoor ice rink, boot room marquee, box office, Christmas market stalls, bars, food units, storage containers, ancillary offices, temporary hoarding and signage, together with associated operational infrastructure and works. The temporary structures and facilities will be installed, operated and subsequently removed during each winter season, with the Gardens reinstated following the completion of each annual event. The permission sought relates to the following three event periods: ? Winter 2026/27 ? Winter 2027/28 ? Winter 2028/29 For each year, installation will take place during October, the event will operate principally between November and early January, and deinstallation and reinstatement will be completed during January. Full annual installation, operational and deinstallation dates will be provided within the supporting documentation.
As published by the council, reference 26/05584/FULL
Application record
- Reference
- 26/05584/FULL
- Category
- Full applications
- Status
- Pending
- Received
- 17 Aug 2026
- Validated
- 17 Aug 2026
- Postcode
- WC2H 7LE
Site history
Applications at this address on the Westminster register
This site has had 4 applications since 2025: 1 approved, 0 refused.
-
26/05585/ADV Awaiting decision
Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
Display of internally illuminated hanging sign measuring 4m X 1.75m and externally illuminated hoarding sign measuring 1.22m X 2.44m in association with the Skate Leicester Square event
-
26/04287/ADV Awaiting decision
Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
Display of sculpture at Leicester Square incorporating an interactive element for temporary period between 28th July until 30th August. 2026.
-
25/06124/AADV Granted
Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
Details of sculptures labelled 12 pursuant to condition 6 (part) of advertisement consent dated 04 June 2025 (RN: 25/02219/ADV)
Timeline
Dates from the published record
-
17 Aug 2026
Received by Westminster
-
22 Aug 2026
Added to PlanIndex
-
Decision
Awaiting decision
Decision expected by 12 October 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 61 days over the applications it decided in the last year.
What happens while it is decided
This application is with Westminster for determination, against a statutory target of eight weeks. Over the last year Westminster decided full applications in a median of 85 days. More in our guide to how long planning decisions take.
About full applications
A full application seeks permission for a complete, detailed proposal in one go, with siting, design, access and landscaping all fixed at this stage. More in our guide to planning application types.
Nearby applications
Within 500 metres
-
17 Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
87% historically approved · decision due ~2 Sep
Demolition of existing buildings, partial retention of basement structures and excavation works including basement link (between Bear Street and Cranbourn Street) to facilitate the erection of new visitor attraction-led mixed-use buildings comprising visitor attraction floorspace, restaurant use and office use, together with external roof terraces, building-integrated digital display, plant and servicing equipment, cycle parking, waste storage and associated external works. (Site consists of the following eight properties: 11 Bear Street, 18 Bear Street, 19 Bear Street, 17-18 Leicester Square, 19 Leicester Square, 20-21 Leicester Square, 5-7 Bear Street and 44-46 Cranbourn Street.)
Awaiting decision Full applications Demolition -
17 Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
85% historically approved · decision due ~2 Sep
Display of LED screen measuring 41.67m x 14.27m to the facade of the proposed LSX Building. (Linked to 26/04567/FULL)
Awaiting decision Advertising -
Leicester Square London WC2H 7LE
85% historically approved · decision due ~12 Oct
Display of internally illuminated hanging sign measuring 4m X 1.75m and externally illuminated hoarding sign measuring 1.22m X 2.44m in association with the Skate Leicester Square event
Awaiting decision Advertising -
20 - 21 Leicester Square London WC2H 7JX
Display of two internally illuminated L-shaped banner signs measuring 4.35m x 2.8m x 0.4m and 4.1m x 2.8m x 0.4m, at first floor level of front elevation [SPLIT DECISION]
Refused Advertising 15 docs -
20 - 21 Leicester Square London WC2H 7JX
Alterations to shopfront including the extension of the existing entrance ways and new bi fold doors.
Granted Full applications Extension Windows or glazing 18 docs -
20 - 21 Leicester Square London WC2H 7JX
Display of two internally illuminated signs at ground and first floors measuring 0.345m x 0.775m and 1m x 3m respectively. [SPLIT DECISION]
Granted Advertising 15 docs
Other full applications
In Westminster
-
26/06024/FULL Awaiting decision
House Of Commons Palace Of Westminster Parliament Square London SW1A 0AA
Installation of new and replacement electronic equipment within Speaker. (Linked with 26/06025/LBC)
-
26/06017/FULL Awaiting decision
38 Lauderdale Mansions Lauderdale Road London W9 1NE
Installation of an external AC Unit / Heat Pump at roof level.
-
26/05938/FULL Awaiting decision
24 Vincent Square London SW1P 2NJ
Subdivision of existing residential property to create two self-contained 3-bedroom family homes, along with cycle parking and associated external alterations.
-
26/05935/FULL Awaiting decision
47 Hereford Road London W2 5AH
Installation of one number new external condenser unit to the southerly elevation service alley.
-
26/05959/FULL Awaiting decision
Basement And Ground Floor 50 New Bond Street London W1S 1BJ
Installation of three new condensers on the roof, within an existing designated plant area.