Basement flat alterations at Basement Flat, 41 Sydney Street, Chelsea, London SW3

What was proposed

The proposal included alterations to the front and rear lightwells, a smaller rear infill extension, a lobby and internal changes.

“/PP/26/00395:1 THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE 23/06/2026 REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND PLACE Application: PP/26/00395 Agenda Item: S036 Address:Basement Flat, 41 Sydney Street, LONDON, SW3 6PX Proposal: Internal and external alterations including replacement of existing metal stair to front lightwell with new black painted metal stair, enclosure of open space beneath ground floor entrance stairs with new partition wall and…”

“4.The proposal and any relevant planning history 4.1Planning permission and listed building consent is sought for the following: ·The creation of a rear extension at lower ground floor level; ·Increase in size of the rear lightwell from the rear wall to create a patio area and the creation of a stairway up rear area and safety railings; ·Replacement stair in the front lightwell; ·New partition wall beneath entrance steps to create a lobby within the front lightwell; and…”

Officer report

The site and building

The basement flat is within a Grade II listed townhouse in the Chelsea Conservation Area, forming part of a wider terrace.

“/PP/26/00395:2 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 41 Sydney Street originally dates from the early 19 th century. The building is Grade II listed and is in the Chelsea Conservation Area. The property forms part of a wider terrace, creating a uniform composition. The property suffered severe bomb damage in WWII and along with Nos 43 and 45, was completely rebuilt in the 1950s. 41 was rebuilt as a single townhouse, unlike 43 and 45, and later subdivided.”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers considered the design acceptable and found no significant heritage, overlooking, privacy, light, enclosure or noise harm.

“/PP/26/00395:3 5.2 These policies can be read online at: · Local Plan: https://www.rbkc.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/local-plan/local- plan Other local strategies or publications 5.3The main relevant supplementary planning documents adopted by the Council are: ·Chelsea Conservation Area Appraisal 5.4 These documents can be read online at: ·Conservation Area Appraisals:…”

“Living conditions 6.6 The development would not introduce bulk in a location where it could block light or cause a sense of enclosure to other properties. There are no overlooking or privacy concerns…”

Officer report

Concerns raised

Objectors questioned additional activity and security, overlooking and noise, overdevelopment, and effects on the conservation area.

“7.Community Infrastructure Levy 7. If permitted and built, the proposal would not require a payment towards funding additional infrastructure under the Borough’s Community Infrastructure Levy or a payment towards funding Crossrail under the Mayor of London’s Community Infrastructure Levy. 8.Consultations carried out Comments from interested parties 8.1The application was advertised in the Gazette on 27/03/2026.”

“/PP/26/00395:5 the property. The proposed works would not be considered overdevelopment. 4 The development would fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the conservation area. The proposal consists of a small amount of extension at lower ground floor level where it would not be readily visible. The proposal incorporates traditional metalwork that is suitable for the age and character of the property.”

Officer report

Speakers at the meeting

There were no speakers for this item.

The committee vote

The committee granted planning permission by majority, with one councillor recused from these items.

“Resolved by majority (Cllr Taylor-Smith recused himself for these items): that planning permission be granted with the conditions listed in Section 9 of the report for S036 and listed building consent be granted with the conditions listed in Section 2 of the report for S037.”

Minutes

Conditions attached

The conditions covered the time limit, approved drawings, matching materials, black-painted railings and stairs, and construction management.

“2.Compliance with approved drawings The development hereby approved shall be carried out in complete accordance with drawing/document title number(s) PL-01-01, PL-01-02, PL-04-02, PL-04-03, PL-05-02, PL-06-03, PL-06-04. Reason - The details are material to the acceptability of the proposals, and to ensure accordance with the development plan.”

“/PP/26/00395:6 A) An Appendix A Checklist and Site Construction Management Plan (SCMP) for the development have both been submitted to, and approved in writing, by the Council’s Construction Management Team, and then B) Copies of the approved Checklist and Plan, and their written approval, have been submitted to the local planning authority to be placed on the property record.”

Officer report