Basement and rear extension at 38 Smith Terrace, Chelsea, London SW3

What was proposed

The application proposed a lower-ground-floor extension, basement excavation beneath the house and garden, lightwells, and a single-storey rear infill addition.

“THE ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA PLANNING APPLICATIONS COMMITTEE 21/10/2025 REPORT BY THE DIRECTOR, PLANNING AND PLACE Application: PP/25/05152 Agenda Item: S103 Address:38 Smith Terrace, LONDON, SW3 4DH Proposal: Extension of the existing lower ground floor level beneath the house and part of the garden with an associated front lightwell and two rear lightwells; and erection of single storey rear infill addition Applicant: [the applicant]: MrsA Thomson ADL Planning…”

“3.The site and its surroundings 3.1 The application site is a 3 storey property (including mansard roof extension) on the north side of Smith Terrace within the Royal Hospital Conservation Area. It has an existing basement storage area with a low floor to ceiling height beneath the main building. There is a high almost two storey wall to the rear boundary, beyond which are the rear gardens of dwellings to Charles II Place.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended approval

Officers considered the reduced basement, limited demolition, rear extension and construction safeguards acceptable, subject to conditions.

“The proposed basement has also been reduced in size and depth and is now compliant with policy, except for the front lightwell, which is a relatively minor infringement Basement 6.19The Basements SPD and Local Plan 2024 define basement development as the construction or extension of one or more storeys of accommodation below the prevailing ground level of a site or below an existing property, including below an original lower ground floor.”

Officer report

Who spoke

Emma Barral introduced the report, while an objector spoke against the application and a consultant spoke in support.

Members’ consideration

Two councillors confirmed they could consider the application with open minds after previously sitting on a panel for a different application at the site.

“Cllrs Hargreaves and Mackover who had both been on the panel when a previous committee decided on a different application for the same application site, confirmed they were able to view the current application with open minds.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee granted planning permission by a majority, with Cllr Verboven dissenting, subject to the conditions in the officer report.

“Resolved by a majority (with Cllr Verboven dissenting): that planning permission be granted with the conditions in section 8 of the officer report.”

Minutes