Two rooftop condenser units at 41 Clarendon Road, Kensington, London W11

What was proposed

The application sought two compact condenser units in acoustic enclosures on the flat roof above the first-floor side wing.

“41 Clarendon Road, LONDON, W11 4JB Proposal: Installation of two single fan compact condenser units within acoustic enclosures on flat roof above first floor Applicant:”

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of two single fan compact condenser units within acoustic enclosures on the flat roof above first floor to the side of the host building, measuring approximately 1.3m in height, 1.4m in width and 0.9m in depth. The air conditioning units would be set back approximately 2.1m from the front elevation, 1.9m from the side and 1.7m from the rear parapet walls. 4.2”

Officer report

The site

The five-storey detached dwelling is in a residential area, within the Ladbroke Conservation Area and beside listed buildings.

“No. 41 Clarendon Road is a five storey-detached dwellinghouse which is situated on the western side of Clarendon Road. The site is located within Holland Park Critical Drainage Area and the Ladbroke Conservation Area. No. 41 Clarendon Road is set beside Grade II listed buildings at 43-45 Clarendon Road, located to the north. The surrounding area is residential in nature.”

Officer report

Planning history

An earlier application for a rear lower-ground-floor extension, new windows and doors, and a larger roof terrace was granted in June 2025.

“The relevant planning history is set out below:”

“PP/25/02502 Single storey extension to existing lower ground floor at rear of property, installation of new windows and doors, and enlargement of existing upper ground floor roof terrace. Granted 02/06/2025”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the proposal would preserve heritage character and neighbours’ living conditions, subject to conditions.

“Planning permission is sought for the installation of two air conditioning condenser units on the flat roof to the side of the property. Subject to the recommended conditions, the proposed development would preserve the character and appearance of the building, terrace group and the character, appearance and significance of the wider Ladbroke Conservation Area.”

“It is recommended the Committee grants planning permission with the conditions listed in Section 8 of this report.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were the conservation area’s character and appearance and living conditions for neighbouring occupiers.

“Whether the proposed development would preserve or enhance the character, appearance and significance of the Ladbroke Conservation Area; and…”

“Whether the works continue to ensure good living conditions for all neighbouring occupiers.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The Ladbroke Association objected to the units’ appearance, noise, amenity effects, location and conservation-area impact; Environmental Health supported the acoustic information.

“There letters were received including one from Ladbroke Association objecting to the application, summarised as: Comment Response 1 The AC units are unwelcome development, both aesthetically and in terms of noise. Based on the above assessment, the proposed AC units would be discreetly located and would have an acceptable visual impact overall.”

“The proposed AC units would be located in a discreet position within the roof where their visual impact from the public road and wider conservation area would be sufficiently mitigated as to preserve the character and appearance of the conservation area. 3 Concerns that the AC units would impact on amenity – noise, vibration and other disturbances.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of the Ladbroke Association addressed the committee in objection.

Committee discussion

Members were drawn to an addendum containing four further representations and an amendment concerning the units’ assessment.

“Officers drew members’ attention to the addendum report which included four further representations and an amendment to paragraph 6.5.”

Minutes

The vote

Permission was granted by majority, with Councillor North dissenting and Councillor Idris abstaining.

“Resolved by majority (with Cllr North dissenting and Cllr Idris abstaining) – that planning permission be granted with the conditions at section 8 of the officer report.”

Minutes