Three private homes at 1, 2 and 6 Ossington Close, Kensington, London W2

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing the existing structure and building three private homes over two storeys, with a basement and improved passageway storage.

“PP/25/04909 Agenda Item: N139 Address:1, 2 and 6 Ossington Close, LONDON, W2 4LU Proposal: Demolition and re-development of the site including demolition of the existing structure and construction of a new development comprising three private residential dwellings; creation of basement level beneath the footprint of the building for additional living space; and improvements to the passageway with upgraded bin and bicycle storage Applicant: Pembridge Developments Ltd.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The site contains a two-storey building with three homes and garages, and lies in the Pembridge Conservation Area.

“/PP/25/04909:2 2.Reason for committee consideration · Three or more objections were received during the consultation period, and the recommendation is to grant. 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 The application site includes a two-storey building, which is situated in small cul-de-sac access, located off Ossington Street. 3.2The existing building comprises three residential units, including two 2-bedroom flats and a studio unit.”

Officer report

Planning history

There was no relevant planning history, although revised drawings changed some layouts, windows and balcony details during the application.

“The existing balcony is retained in a similar position. 4.3 4.4 Revised drawings were received during the course of the application. The amendments proposed minor modifications to the internal layout of Flats 1 and 3. Amendments were also made to the fenestration at the front and side elevations, removing Juliet balconies to Flat 3 and the introduction of obscure glazing. Given the nature of these amendments, further consultation was not undertaken.”

Officer report

The main harm considered

New first-floor openings would increase the perception of overlooking towards nearby Ossington Street properties, causing some harm to living conditions.

“/PP/25/04909:7 and, given their enclosed siting, would not result in harmful overlooking to neighbouring properties. The remaining rear openings are comparable to those on the existing building and are therefore considered acceptable. Ossington Street 6.34The proposal includes new openings at the front elevation (east) that would face the rear of properties along Ossington Street (Nos. 49, 51 and 55).”

“As such, the proposal would result in some harm to neighbouring properties when considered against policy CD9 of the Local Plan.This must be weighed into the balance. 6.36The proposal includes new windows within the side elevation serving the bedrooms of Flat 3. While there are existing windows on this elevation, the proposed windows, due to their positioning, would introduce additional views towards the rear garden of No. 49 Ossington Street.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Four councillors and one other person spoke against the application, while two applicant’s agents spoke in support.

The committee vote

The committee unanimously voted to grant planning permission, subject to the officer’s recommended conditions and two additional conditions.

“Resolved unanimously: that planning permission be granted with the conditions at section 9 of the officer report and subject to additional conditions 13 (Privacy – Obscured glazing, fixed shut) and 14 (trees – lopping and topping).”

Minutes