Accessible toilet alterations at Public Library, Chelsea Old Town Hall, Chelsea, London SW3

What was proposed

The application proposed reconfiguring the male, female and accessible toilets to provide an accessible toilet meeting best practice and accessibility standards.

“THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE 16/04/2026 REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND PLACE Application: LB/25/03190 Agenda Item: N006 Address: Public Library, Chelsea Old Town Hall, 165-181 King's Road, LONDON, SW3 5EZ Proposal: Changes to the internal configuration of the male, female and accessible toilets to make the accessible toilet conform to best practice and accessibility standards.”

“4.The proposal and any relevant planning history 4.1The proposal relates to reconfiguration of the WCs at first floor level to create a disabled WC that is compliant with best practice. Baby changing facilities will also be introduced as part of the works. 4.2There is no relevant planning history relating to the proposals.”

Officer report

The site

The public library is within a Grade II listed Classical building whose significance includes its architectural, historic and cultural value.

“3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 Chelsea Public Library, within Chelsea Old Town Hall is a Grade II listed building, constructed 1906-18 in Classical style by Leonard Stokes. 3.2Its significance derives from its architectural and historic importance, and its cultural value as a key community building for over 100 years. It forms a group with the grade II* listed Old Vestry Hall and the swimming baths (now Chelsea Sports Centre).”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended granting listed building consent because the works would preserve the building’s special architectural and historic interest and heritage significance.

“The dividing walls between the male, female, disabled and baby-changing areas (currently a store) are constructed of masonry but their configuration does not impact on the significance of the building. Their rearrangement would cause no harm to the special architectural or historic interest of the Old Town Hall.”

Officer report

Public consultation

The application was advertised, but no letters were received supporting or objecting to it.

“8.Consultations carried out Comments from interested parties 8.1 No nearby owners/occupiers were notified directly of the application. The application was advertised in the Gazette on 24th October 2025. A statutory notice advertising the application was posted near the site on 24 th October 2025. No letters were receivedsupporting the application. 8.3No letters were receivedobjecting to the application.”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no speakers for the item.

The committee vote

The committee resolved unanimously to grant listed building consent with the conditions in the officer report.

“Resolved unanimously: to grant listed building consent with the conditions listed in Section 8 of the report.”

Minutes