Residents in a west London neighbourhood, weary from years of ongoing construction, are set to see another major development rise after local authorities gave it the green light.
Planning Approval Amidst Resident Concerns
Kensington and Chelsea Council's Planning Committee unanimously approved the Lots Road South development by Chelsea Creek on Tuesday, December 16. The vote, which passed five to zero, will see 274 new homes built on the site. A significant portion of these, 118 homes, will be designated as affordable housing. This includes 65 extra care properties and 53 for general needs, all available at social rent levels.
Speaking at the meeting, local ward councillor Laura Burns highlighted the community's long-standing issue with continuous building projects. She stated that locals have lived alongside construction "for over 20 years", citing major projects like the Chelsea Waterfront and Chelsea Academy. "Understandably, people are feeling the cumulative impact and this proposal adds another significant development to an already-stretched neighbourhood," she explained.
Details of the Chelsea Creek Scheme
The development, led by Mount Anvil, will replace existing commercial buildings with three new structures ranging from five to thirteen storeys in height. Objectors had raised fears that the taller buildings would lead to a "canyonisation" of Lots Road. In response, the developer argued that higher towers were necessary to deliver the promised social and affordable housing.
The council has committed to purchasing all 118 affordable homes. It will also enter long-term lease agreements for the new affordable workspace and a community centre included in the plans. The scheme promises substantial public benefits, including:
- 2,577sqm of open space with a green community square.
- A new promenade along the creek and improved public access routes.
- Widened footpaths on Lots Road and nearly 50 new trees.
- Biodiverse roofs, a new creek wall, and enhanced landscaping.
Committee Chair, Cllr James Husband, deemed the five-storey buildings fronting Lots Road as "acceptable". He acknowledged construction concerns and confirmed that a Construction Traffic Management Plan would be subject to a potential call-in by councillors, meaning it could be reviewed again by the committee.
Addressing the Housing Crisis and Next Steps
Following the decision, Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Property, emphasised the development's role in tackling London's housing shortage. "This development will make a real difference to people's lives and to the local community," she said, adding that the council would work with Mount Anvil to minimise disruption.
Marcus Bate, Director at Mount Anvil, said the firm was proud of its collaborative work with the community and partners. "The new homes at Lots Road South are going to significantly contribute to Kensington and Chelsea hitting its housing targets," he stated, noting that work is expected to begin next year.
The site straddles the borough boundary, with about a third located in Hammersmith and Fulham. An identical planning application must now be approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council for the entire project to proceed. The land is currently occupied by businesses, including a self-storage facility, with space reserved for the potential return of the Auction House which relocated in March 2024.
