Scaffold shroud advertisement at 2-4 Kensington Church Street, Kensington, London W8

What was proposed

A non-illuminated scaffold shroud advertisement measuring 5.5 metres by 7.6 metres was proposed for a temporary 12-month period.

“/CA/26/02360:1 THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE 23/06/2026 REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND PLACE Application: CA/26/02360 Agenda Item: N025 Address:2-4 Kensington Church Street, LONDON, W8 4EP Proposal: Display of a non-illuminated scaffold shroud advertisement measuring 5.5 metres in width by 7.6 metres in height for a temporary period of 12 months Applicant: [the applicant]: P O'Neill Metropolis Planning Properties…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The site is in the Kensington Palace Conservation Area, opposite listed buildings, and the building positively contributes to the wider conservation area.

“It is recommended the Committee grants planning permission with the conditions listed in Section 8 of this report. 2.Reason for committee consideration · The Director considers it appropriate that the Committee determines the application. 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 The application site includes a building at Nos. 2-4 Kensington Church Street. 3.2The site is located in the Kensington Palace Conservation Area and is not listed.”

“/CA/26/02360:2 appearance of the wider conservation area, according to the Kensington Palace Conservation Area Appraisal. 3.3The site has two Article 4 Directions: 100 (Basements) and 106 (Commercial, Business and Service use to Residential Use). The site is in the Kensington Critical Drainage area and Flood Zone 1.”

Officer report

Earlier approved development

The shroud would cover construction works for an approved redevelopment of a three-storey commercial building into a five-storey mixed-use building.

“4.4The relevant planning history is set out below: ReferenceDescriptionDecision PP/23/06954 Redevelopment of three storey commercial building (including basement) to create mixed use 5 storey building, comprising basement/ ground floor commercial with three residential units above. Granted subject to legal agreement on 15/07/2024.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the temporary advertisement would not materially harm visual amenity, the conservation area, neighbouring properties or highway safety.

“The shroud would in this case add temporary visual interest to the building, and due to the temporary nature, it would not have a permanent impact on the visual amenity of the surrounding area. 6.10The advertisements would be non-illuminated, thus the amenities of any neighbouring residential properties are preserved. 6.11The advertisement would fit within a large temporary structure. The scaffolding to be constructed would have a considerable visual impact on the area.”

“6.12Overall, the temporary nature of the proposals means the advertisements would not result in material harm to the visual amenity of the area or the Kensington Palace Conservation Area, and the proposals would comply with policies CD1, CD2, CD4, CD15 and TR4 of the Local Plan 2024 and are acceptable. Public Safety 6.13The advertisement is not of a type identified by the NPPG as one which may cause danger to road users.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

One objection concerned heritage assets and the lack of a works contract, while the transportation and highways consultee raised no objection.

“Considerable importance and weight has been attached to and special attention hasbeen paid to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character orappearance of the conservation area, under s.72 and to the need for special regard to the desirability of preserving the building or its setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which it possesses, under s.16 and s.66 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990, as…”

“Contract of works is not a material consideration. Other consultees and organisations ConsulteeComment Where in the report this is considered Director of Transportation and Highways No objectionPara 6.13-6.16 8.Recommended conditions if the application is granted…”

Officer report

Who spoke

There were no speakers for this item.

The committee vote

The committee granted planning permission by majority, with one councillor absent.

“Resolved by majority (Cllr Chauhan absent): that planning permission be granted with the conditions listed in Section 8 of this report and with an additional informative regarding monitoring work on the site.”

Minutes