Roof terrace at The Penthouse Flat, Drayton Court, Kensington, London SW10

What was proposed

The application proposed a roof terrace with screening and planting above the rear flat roof, including new windows, a door, railings and planters.

“/PP/25/03718:2 Gardens which is a complex of 6 storey buildings, situated on the western side of Drayton Gardens. 3.2Drayton Court is within The Boltons Conservation Area and makes a positive contribution to the conservation area. 4.The proposal and any relevant planning history 4.1Planning permission is sought for the creation of roof terrace, with associated screening and planting, above the existing flat roof at the rear of the building.”

Officer report

Earlier applications

Earlier proposals for roof accommodation were refused and dismissed on appeal, while a later roof apartment application was granted.

“No formal re-consultation was required. 4.4Officers visited the site on 16/07/205. 4.5The relevant planning history is set out below: ReferenceDescriptionDecision PP/11/02335 Erection of 2 bedroom apartment on roof of 1-13 Drayton Court. Refused on 05/01/2012 and dismissed at Appeal on 23/05/2012 PP/12/04721 Erection of 2 bedroom apartment on the roof of Drayton Court Granted on 05/06/2013 PP/15/03568 Construction of roof extension to create a three bedroom apartment.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The main issues were the effect on the building and conservation area and whether neighbouring living conditions would be protected.

“Local Plan Policy GB12 requires that development proposals must aim to achieve greenfield run-off rates and householder applications mist reduce the rate of runoff from the site in a way that is proportionate to the scale of development and reflects the site constraints. Given the proposed development, the required condition would not be necessary in this circumstance, as there is no increase in the footprint of the site as a result of the proposed development.”

“/PP/25/03718:4 the listed building and the surrounding conservation area; and iiWhether the proposals would safeguard the living conditions of the occupiers of neighbouring properties. Character and appearance 6.5The proposed terrace would see the formal use of part of the flat roof by the property situatied at 6 th floor level at Drayton Court. With the existing door leading out to the flat roof, there is already access onto the flat roof.”

Officer report

Objections and responses

Thirteen objections raised concerns including overlooking, noise, loss of light, views, safety, structure, fire safety and heritage, which officers addressed.

“/PP/25/03718:6 loss of light. 4Concerns over obstruction of views The proposed terrace would not obstruct views as currently afforded from windows of neighbouring properties. 5Concerns over safety It is noted that the flat roof has no existing protective measures to prevent people falling off the main flat roof.”

“8 Concerns raised over the sale of the flat and the potential use of the property with the proposed additional terrace. Whilst this is duly noted, this is not being considered within the realms of this application. The assessment of the application is solely for the proposed terrace 9 Concerns are raised over the planters This is noted, however, the planters are acceptable.”

Officer report

People who spoke

A representative of the objectors spoke against the application, and the applicant spoke in support.

The committee’s decision

The committee unanimously granted planning permission with the recommended conditions and an additional informative encouraging planting for pollinators.

“Resolved unanimously: i. to add an informative, encouraging the applicant to plant species that provide opportunities for pollinator species. ii. that planning permission be granted with the conditions in section 8 of the officer report and the additional informative.”

Minutes