Kensington and Chelsea councillors have approved a scheme to demolish Ferrari's former showroom in South Kensington and replace it with a new car showroom topped by a six-storey office block, despite objections from residents who called the design “too bulky”. The decision was made at a Planning Applications Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 11.
Development Details and Previous Scheme
The proposal involves demolishing the current ground-floor car showroom at the Old Brompton Road site and constructing a new 734 square metre showroom. It remains unclear which car manufacturer will occupy the space, as Ferrari closed its showroom there in 2024. The area is known for luxury and supercar brands, with Lamborghini and classic car showrooms located nearby.
Five floors of office space, totalling 1,843 square metres, will be built above the showroom. The site already holds planning permission for a similar-sized development that included five residential apartments, but that scheme was abandoned and remains unfinished. The new design adds a sixth-floor plant room, making the building 2.31 metres taller than the previous approved scheme.
Resident and Committee Concerns
Local resident Andrew Hall voiced strong opposition at the meeting, stating: “Over 30 residents objected to this application and I think it's appalling that the council’s response totally dismisses all our concerns - particularly concerning the height and massive bulk of the building. There's no way it should be built in this form.” Hall said residents wanted the building completed but argued the proposals needed to be scaled back.
Jennifer Mackerras also raised concerns about the development's impact on access to the nearby cul-de-sac Eagle Place. She told the sub-committee: “Hindering our access or exit will put the lives and property of Eagle Place families in serious danger. This is totally foreseeable to all - including the council.”
Applicant's Response and Approval
Speaking on behalf of the applicant, Matt Richards defended the scheme, saying it was of higher quality than the abandoned previous one. “The scheme preserves the character and appearance of surrounding conservation areas, causes no unacceptable amenity impacts, it delivers meaningful public benefits through enhanced landscaping, improved public realm and a more sustainable building,” he said. “The scheme will deliver additional high quality office floor space and a new car showroom to bring economic investment to the area.”
The sub-committee requested information on private rights of way and added a consideration for planting for pollinators to the scheme. The approval comes despite the objections, with the committee voting in favour of the development.
