Office refurbishment and rooftop terraces at 15-35 Notting Hill Gate, Kensington, London W11

What was proposed

The application proposed facade replacement, ground-floor changes, new storage, rooftop terraces, plant equipment, a stair-core extension and related works.

“PP/26/01685 Agenda Item: N061 Address:15-35 Notting Hill Gate, LONDON, W11 3JQ Proposal: Replacement of external facades; ground floor works including provision of new office entrance and bin and cycle store; creation of rooftop terrace areas, new plant enclosure; extension to stair core; and associated works.”

“4.The proposal and any relevant planning history 4.1Planning permission is sought for: - Shopfront and entrance alterations at ground floor level; - Provision of a new bin and cycle store at the rear of the site; - Re-cladding of the existing building at first to third floor levels; - Installation of a roof terrace to each side wing and the main roof; and - Installation of plant equipment at main roof level.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is a four-storey commercial building in a shopping centre, near two conservation areas and with very good public transport access.

“/PP/26/01685:2 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1The site is located on the south side of Notting Hill Gate and occupies the block between the junctions with Palace Terrace Gardens and Kensington Church Street. To the south of the site lies West Mall with Rabbit Row running south from the site. 3.2The site comprises a four-storey building constructed in the 1950’s.”

Officer report

Earlier permissions

Earlier permissions covered recladding, an additional office storey, plant and storage, implementation works and relocation of the office entrance.

“(GEA) of class B1 office floor space; provision of a new bin and cycle store; installation of plant; and associated alterations (MAJOR DEVELOPMENT) Granted subject to legal agreement – 23/12/2016 NMA/19/06331 Non-material amendment to planning permission PP/16/05212 (Re-cladding, installation of an additional storey to provide an uplift of 1,251 sq.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the scheme an improvement to the building and streetscape that would protect neighbours’ living conditions and remain acceptable on highways.

“While these elements would be highly visible from the residential properties within Broadwalk Court, they would still read as subordinate and secondary to the host building and would not harmfully impact on the character of the building or the nearby conservation areas, subject to further details of materials which is secured by Condition 4. 6.13Overall, subject to compliance with recommended Condition No.”

“/PP/26/01685:10 6.35While the scheme would have some impact on the neighbouring properties in terms of daylight levels and new sightlines, this would not be considered to result in any material worsening of existing living conditions and harm of overlooking can be mitigated through privacy screening.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Five organisations objected over design, terrace use, landscaping, plant equipment and lighting, while several consultees raised no objection subject to conditions.

“Council’s Design and Conservation Officer did not raise any principal objections and has recommended Condition 4 to secure further details of all external materials to be used. 2 If the hours of use of the terrace are not controlled, this may impact on the amenity of surrounding residential neighbours. Condition 8 has been recommended which limit the use of this terrace between Monday to Friday only between the hours of 8am and 9pm.”

“/PP/26/01685:11 may impact on the amenity of surrounding occupiers. ensure that all plant equipment complies with Council’s Noise SPD to mitigate impacts to surrounding occupiers. 5 New lighting may impact on the amenity of surrounding occupiers. Lighting details including locations and lux levels are secured via recommended Condition 4.”

Officer report

Speakers

There were no speakers for the application.

The committee’s decision

Members unanimously granted planning permission with an amended condition 12, an additional informative and the conditions recommended by officers.

“Officers drew members attention to the addendum report which included an amendment to conditions 4 and 9, and the addition of condition 12 (Submission of Details (full PP)).”

“Resolved unanimously: that planning permission be granted subject to amended condition 12 (Submission of Details (Full PP)), additional informative regarding visual improvements, and the conditions at section 9 of the officer report.”

Minutes