The £1billion project will see the grade-II listed building, which once housed Winston Churchill’s offices and the headquarters of the British Army, reimagined as a boutique luxury hotel with 125 guest bedrooms and suites.
According to reports, the project will involve the construction of a ‘double-height’ basement which will allow designers EPR Architects to create three additional floors graced with state-of-the-art spa and leisure facilities.
The new hotel, which is forecast to open in 2020, will also house a guest ballroom, a high-end restaurant and extensive business and meeting facilities.
As a condition of the planning permission, it will be open to members of the public who wish to drop in to admire the building.
Commenting on the project, Richard Beddoe, senior chairman of planning at Westminster City Council, said: “These plans give this building a new purpose while respecting its place in history.
“The War Office has played a pivotal role in our country’s past and ensuring members of the public had opportunity to visit and experience this iconic building first hand was a key consideration in our decision”.