Two tennis courts at Burton Court, Chelsea, London SW3

The site and surroundings

The site contains three existing tennis courts and a private communal garden within Burton Court, part of a Grade II listed park and conservation area.

“/PP/25/04682:2 2.Reason for committee consideration · Three or more objections were received during the consultation period, and the recommendation is to grant. 3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 This application relates to the land to the south-east of Burton Court that is currently occupied by three tennis courts and a private communal garden. 3.2Burton Court is a large open space divided into two parcels of land that is enclosed on all sides by streets namely, St.”

“3.3Burton Court is a part of the Grade II Listed Parks and Gardens at Royal Hospital, Chelsea and Ranelagh Gardens and is located in the setting of the Grade I Listed Buildings of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. It is located in the Royal Hospital Conservation Area and the Thames Special Policy Area. The view along Royal Avenue from King's Road to the Royal Hospital is identified as a Linear View L3 in the Royal Hospital Conservation Area Appraisal.”

Officer report

Earlier planning history

A previous application for new tennis courts, a shelter and fencing was withdrawn on 30 June 2025.

“4.4The relevant planning history is set out below: ReferenceDescriptionDecision PP/05/00370Erection of a temporary marquee on football pitch to house the Art London Fair for a total period of 18 days (31st May - 17th June 2005). Granted on 21/04/2005 PP/25/02674Construction of new tennis courts, shelter and associated fencing. Withdrawn on 30/06/2025 5.Main policies and strategies relevant to the decision The development plan…”

Officer report

Heritage and other effects

The courts and fencing would add visual clutter and harm openness, but officers considered the public benefits greater than the less than substantial heritage harm.

“The proposals would result in lower degree of less than substantial harm to this designated heritage asset. 6.8This would engage paragraph 215 of the National Planning Policy Framework which states that where a development proposal would lead to less than substantial harm to the significance of a designated heritage asset, this harm should be weighed against the public benefits of the proposal including, where appropriate, securing its optimum viable use.”

“/PP/25/04682:5 be considered as a heritage benefit that would significantly outweigh the less than substantial harm caused by the development. Character and Appearance 6.10The two new tennis courts would be positioned next to the existing three tennis courts, with the five courts spanning the length of the south-east boundary of the gardens.”

Officer report

What consultees said

Sport England and council officers raised no objection, subject to conditions and legal agreement requirements for matters including biodiversity, noise and trees.

“/PP/25/04682:11 loss, change of use of a site protected with a nature designation?” is then wrongly, and contrary to the admission above, asserted as “No”. Thus, the application was neither “true or accurate”. Statutory consultees ConsulteeCommentWhere in the report this is considered Sport EnglandNo objection.6.8 Historic EnglandHistoric England provides advice when our engagement can add most value. In this case we are not offering advice.”

“6.21-6.24 Arboricultural OfficerNo objection, subject to Condition 6.6.25-6.26 Director of Transportation and Highways No objection.6.27-6.29 9.Recommended conditions if the application is granted…”

Officer report

Who spoke

A speaker addressed the committee against the application, while the agent and the applicant spoke in support.

The committee vote

The committee resolved unanimously to grant planning permission subject to the legal agreement and conditions.

“Resolved unanimously: that planning permission be granted subject to the satisfactory completion of the legal agreement to secure matters in Section 7 of the report and with the conditions in section 9 of the report.”

Minutes

Main conditions

The recommended conditions covered operating hours, drainage and flood measures, biodiversity gain, and protection of trees during construction.

“Reason - To prevent any significant disturbance to residents of nearby properties and comply with development plan policies, in particular policy CD9 of the Local Plan 2024. 4.Flood Risk Assessment/Sustainable Drainage Systems Strategy No development shall commence until a Flood Risk Assessment and Sustainable Drainage Systems Strategy with the following information is submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority: Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) I.A Flood…”

“The biodiversity gain plan shall include information related to (but not limited to) the following: a.Information about the steps taken or to be taken to minimise the adverse effect of the development on the biodiversity of the onsite habitat and any other habitat; b.The pre-development biodiversity value of the onsite habitat; c.The post-development biodiversity value of the onsite habitat; d.Any registered offsite biodiversity gain allocated to the development and the…”

Officer report