Pub conversion and 11 flats at The Clarence, Kensington, London W14

What was proposed

The scheme would retain and reconfigure the pub, add roof floors and rear and side extensions, and create 11 self-contained flats.

“Description: Reconfiguration and retention of existing public house at basement and ground floor levels; erection of two additional floors at roof level, erection of five storey rear and side extensions at ground, first, second, third and fourth floor levels including the formation of an undercroft to ac- cess the rear yard from street level (facing May Street) in connection with the change of use of the ancillary public house uses (Class Sui Generis) at upper floor levels…”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The three-storey building with basement contains a pub and rear beer garden, while its upper vacant floors were formerly ancillary accommodation.

“This application relates to a three-storey building plus basement, on the west side of North End Road at the junction with May Street. The building is in use as a public house at ground and basement levels, with an associated outdoor beer garden to the rear.”

“The site is surrounded by a mix of uses and building types. Immediately to the north is a single storey commercial parade along the western side of North End Road. To the east is the open space and various multi storey residential buildings of the Gibbs Green Es- tate, including the 11 storey Fairburn House. To the south and west are 4 storey residen- tial blocks, in addition to a part 8 storey mixed use building beyond that to the south.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A 2019 hostel proposal was refused and its appeal dismissed, while the current scheme is less intensive and proposes flats instead.

“In 2019 planning permission (ref 2018/03909/FUL) was refused for a change of use of the upper floors from public house (Class A4) into tourist hostel accommodation (Sui Generis); installation of a kitchen extract duct, an external fire staircase with a door open- ing to the rear elevation; infilling of 1 door, installation of timber access gates, 1 replace- ment window fronting May Street; reinstatement of 1 door to the corner elevation fronting May Street and North End…”

“The current proposals are materially different from those previously refused, as no duct- ing is proposed, and self-contained residential flats (Class C3) are proposed rather than a hostel use (sui generis) use. The appeal proposals for an 87-bedroom hostel for up to 104 occupants, is significantly more intensive than the current proposals which consist of 11 residential units and a retained pub.”

Officer report

Consultation and objections

Eight representations were received, five objecting over the pub, waste, construction impacts, traffic, access and whether the proposal suited the area.

“The application was advertised by way of a site and press notice and neighbour notifica- tion letters sent to 98 surrounding properties. An additional consultation period was also carried out following the submission of a revised scheme. Eight public representations were subsequently received, five of which represent objections, and the issues raised can be summarised as follows:”

“- The public house is a community facility and should be protected, including the charac- ter and atmosphere - Residential waste storage - Noise/dust, traffic and pedestrian access issues during works - Proposals wouldn't 'suit surrounding area' - Accessibility of the public house…”

Officer report

Who spoke

The agent spoke in support of the officers’ recommendation, following a presentation by Roy Asagba-Power.

The decision

Permission was authorised subject to completing a satisfactory legal agreement, the report conditions, Addendum changes and delegated minor condition amendments.

“That the Executive Director for Place be authorised to grant planning permission upon the completion of a satisfactory legal agreement and subject to the conditions listed in the report and changes in the Addendum.”

“That the Executive Director for Place, after consultation with the Assistant Director, Legal Services and the Chair of the Planning and Development Control Committee be authorised to make any minor changes to the proposed conditions, which may include the variation, addition or deletion of conditions, any such changes shall be within their discretion.”

Minutes