Nursery in former consulate at The Chapel, Kensington, London W14

The site

The site is a former chapel in a residential area, within a conservation area, with high public transport accessibility and flood-risk constraints.

“The host building is not nationally or locally listed, but is located within the Turneville Chesson Conservation Area. The site is within a Flood Zone 3.”

“The site is well-served by public transport. The site has a PTAL of 6a to Transport for London's methodology, indicating the site has high levels of accessibility to public transport.”

Officer report

Planning history

The building has had several earlier uses, and a 2025 application for office use was refused because the lawful use was the consulate use.

“2003/00681/FUL: Use of the building for office purposes: Approved 02/05/2003”

“In 2025, a Certificate of Lawfulness (ref. 2025/01698/CLE) for use of the building as an office (Class E) was refused. The site’s most recent use as the Grenadian Consulate is considered sui generis and, having operated continuously for over ten years, represents the lawful use. The proposed Class E office use was therefore not lawful.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

Two objections, two comments and four supporting letters were received, covering traffic, parking, childcare demand, community benefits and drop-off arrangements.

“In response to the consultations, a total of 2 objections, 2 comments and 4 letters of support were received.”

“Objection: • Unsuitable for through traffic created by 80 children and 35 staff. • Surrounding streets not designed for a higher volume of traffic • Existing nurseries struggle to fill vacancies – no demand for more • Increased traffic for the area • Support: • Nursery will contribute to providing a better community in the area • Ideal nursey location that would benefit the district.”

Officer report

Who spoke

An officer gave a presentation, and no registered speakers addressed the committee.

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the report’s conditions and Addendum changes, with delegated authority for minor changes to conditions and the legal agreement.

“That the Executive Director of Place be authorised to grant planning permission subject to the conditions listed in the report and changes in the Addendum.”

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

Minutes