Single-storey basement at 14 Lennox Gardens, Chelsea, London SW1X

What was proposed

The application proposed a single-storey basement beneath the existing dwelling, providing leisure facilities, a swimming pool, storage and plant space.

“/PP/26/03462:2 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1The application site is located on the north-western side of Lennox Gardens; a teardrop-shaped, grand garden square within the Hans Town Conservation Area. 3.2The site contains a five-storey mid terrace property, with additional rooms in the roof space, of Queen Anne Revival appearance.”

“The proposed basement would comprise a single storey of accommodation located entirely below the prevailing lower ground level of the property to accommodate for a yoga studio/ gym, toilet, shower, swimming pool, pool storeroom and a plant room. 4.2The drawings indicate that the proposed basement would be contained within the footprint of the existing building, below the prevailing lower ground floor. 4.3The proposals have been the subject of pre-application advice (ref.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended permission because the basement met policy requirements, preserved the conservation area and protected neighbouring living conditions, subject to conditions.

“PP/26/03462 Agenda Item: S070 Address:14 Lennox Gardens, LONDON, SW1X 0DG Proposal: Construction of a single storey basement. Applicant: [the applicant]: Frendo Maddox Planning Properties notified:Objections:Support:Comments:Petition: 0 5000 Conservation area:Hans Town 1.Summary 1.1 The proposed basement would comply with the requirements of Local Plan Policy CD11, which sets out the planning requirements for basement development in the Borough.”

“Objections received from interested parties have been taken into consideration and are addressed throughout the report and in Section 8. It is recommended the Committee grants planning permission with the conditions listed in Section 9 of this report. 2.Reason for committee consideration · Three or more objections were received during the consultation period and the recommendation is to grant.”

Officer report

How officers assessed it

The basement would remain beneath the building, avoid harm to trees and the listed building, and manage construction, noise, drainage and flood risks through conditions.

“Officers are satisfied that the proposal would not cause loss of, damage to, or a long-term threat to trees of townscape and amenity value. The proposal is therefore considered to comply with criterion d) of Policy CD11 of the Local Plan 2024. 6.9The property is not listed and so the proposal does not involve excavation under a listed building. Therefore, the proposals would comply with criterion f) of Policy CD11.”

“Subject to these conditions, it is considered that noise, vibration and dust impacts arising from both the construction and operational phases of the development would be maintained at acceptable levels. The proposal therefore complies with criteria l) and m) of Policy CD11 of the Local Plan 2024. 6.17A Flood Risk Assessment and Sustainable Drainage Strategy have been submitted in support of the application.”

Officer report

What consultees and residents said

Five objections raised concerns about structural damage, cumulative development, disruption, technical evidence, noise, publicity and neighbouring amenity; consultees raised no objections subject to conditions.

“The applicant has submitted a Construction Method Statement, Noise, Dust and Vibration Report and Draft Construction Traffic Management Plan setting out mitigation measures to manage construction impacts. A condition is recommended requiring a final CTMP prior to commencement of development. Subject to this condition, construction impacts are considered capable of being controlled to acceptable levels.”

“Other consultees and organisations ConsulteeComment Where in the report this is considered Director of Transportation and Highways No objections, subject to conditions.Paragraph 6.15 Director of Environmental Health (Noise) No objections, subject to conditions.Paragraph 6.16 Director of Environmental Health (Air Quality) No objections, subject to condition.Paragraph 6.14 Director of Environmental Health (Land Contamination) No objections, subject to condition and…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A member of the public spoke against the application, while the applicant’s architect, agent and transport consultant spoke in support.

Committee discussion

Members were directed to an addendum report containing amendments to parts of the officer assessment and an informative.

“Officers drew members attention to the addendum report which included amendments to paragraphs 6.12, 6.21 and Informative 3.”

Minutes

The vote

Members unanimously voted to grant planning permission with the conditions in the officer report.

“Resolved unanimously: that planning permission be granted with the conditions in section 9 of the officer report.”

Minutes