Air-conditioning and ventilation equipment at Olaf Court, Kensington, London W8

What was proposed

The application sought a condenser for Flat 10, relocated condensers for Flats 14 and 15, and roof-mounted ventilation cowls.

“/PP/24/06391:1 THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE 23/06/2026 REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND PLACE Application: PP/24/06391 Agenda Item: N029 Address:Olaf Court, 50A Kensington Church Street, LONDON, W8 4DG Proposal: Installation of 1no condenser to Flat 10; relocation of approved condensers to Flats 14 & 15 and roof mounted ventilation cowls to Olaf Court (Part-Retrospective Application).”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

Olaf Court is a modernised 1960s building with commercial units at ground level and flats above, in a prominent conservation-area location.

“/PP/24/06391:4 1.Summary 1.1 The proposed air conditioning equipment and rear roof ventilation cowls, due to their scale and location, have an acceptable visual impact and preserve the character, appearance and significance of the individual building as well as those of the Kensington Conservation Area. There would be some impact upon the living conditions enjoyed by nearby residents, but not to a degree that would justify refusing planning permission.”

“The property is in use as commercial units on the ground floor and as residential flats on its upper storeys. 3.2The building is located in a prominent position within the conservation area, terminating the view looking east along Campden Grove and on the busy thoroughfare and shopping parade along Kensington Church Street. 3.3The property is bounded to the north by Vicarage House, a five-storey building in office use.”

Officer report

Earlier applications and enforcement

Earlier permissions covered shopfronts, additional residential storeys and alterations; a similar application was refused for insufficient noise evidence, while enforcement remains ongoing.

“/PP/24/06391:5 roof. They have also been finished in a material/ colour similar to that of main roof level extension itself, therefore and once again having a neutral impact upon the character and appearance of the building and its wider Kensington Palace Conservation Area. The planning officer and the enforcement officer have visited the site on 06 th May 2025.”

“PP/15/00744, granted 09/07/2015, for the creation of two additional storeys to provide 2 x 2 bedroom residential units, recladding of elevations, provision of lift with level access) to allow internal re-arrangement of flats Nos. 14 & No.”

Officer report

The main planning issues

The main issues were the effect on the building and conservation area, and whether neighbouring occupants would retain good living conditions.

“In addition, given that two of the already installed units have in effect been provided "in lieu" of two other previously permitted units under ref. PP/22/05746 (but that would no longer be provided within that originally permitted roof part of the property), the proposed development is considered to be acceptable in terms of Local Plan policy GB5 in this instance.”

“This aspect of the proposals is thereby acceptable in terms of policy CD9. Issues and balancing 6.9The proposed air conditioning equipment and rear roof ventilation cowls, would preserve the character, appearance and significance of the building and wider conservation area.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One speaker addressed the committee and objected to the application.

The committee vote

The committee voted unanimously to grant planning permission with the conditions listed in the officer report.

“Resolved Unanimously: that planning permission be granted with the conditions listed in Section 9 of the report.”

Minutes