Kensington and Chelsea basement planning consent

Topics: basement, home, period, planning, planning consent, refurbishment

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Kensington and Chelsea basement planning consent

Architecture for London has received planning consent for a large basement extension and refurbishment of a detached Edwardian house in the Royal Hospital conservation area in Kensington and Chelsea.

This basement project in Chelsea was among the first to be granted consent by RBKC under the new basement planning regulations.

View Architecture for London’s portfolio to see more of our residential projects in west London.

The planning permission includes a full refurbishment of the ground and first floors of the house. A new basement level extends beneath the entire footprint of the property and approximately 50% of the rear garden. The new basement accommodation will include a cinema and a gym, with associated shower, steam and sauna rooms to create a high‑quality wellness and entertainment space.

A concealed car lift to the front of the property will provide secure off‑street parking for two cars beneath the front drive, maintaining a discreet and uncluttered street elevation.

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The house will be fitted with a combined heat and power boiler system and a rainwater harvesting system. These sustainable measures will help to reduce CO2 emissions and lower water consumption, while providing a continuous supply of water for garden irrigation.

The complex basement planning submission to Kensington and Chelsea included a detailed design, access and heritage statement and a construction methodology statement. Further technical reports submitted to support the basement planning application included:

• Basement impact assessment
• Flood risk assessment
• Tree survey
• Construction traffic management plan

In addition to the main basement application, a number of related planning applications were submitted for other elements of the project. An application for a certificate of lawfulness was also required for minor alterations to the existing front elevation windows.

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Architecture for London worked closely with heritage and planning consultants at Savills London to secure this basement planning approval in a sensitive conservation area.

Chelsea Basement Project Details:

Project architect: Amrit Marway
Location: Christchurch Street, Chelsea, RBKC SW3
Type: Basement and full house refurbishment

Contact us

For homeowners in Kensington and Chelsea considering a basement extension, Architecture for London can advise on feasibility, planning strategy and design. Our experience of basement planning applications in Chelsea and wider Kensington means we understand RBKC’s basement policies, structural and heritage requirements, and how to prepare robust submissions that address basement impact, neighbour amenity and construction management.

Visit the AFL residential architecture projects page to view our completed projects in west London. Also see our Chelsea flat refurbishment project, for a refurbishment of a flat in Whitelands House, SW3.