This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Riverside Wharf Transformed into Temporary Public Space

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday, April 28th, and approved a temporary change of use for Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore on Lots Road, London, SW10. The safeguarded wharf, previously used for waste management and the Thames Tideway Tunnel project, will be transformed into a public open space for up to five years.

This decision allows for the creation of distinct zones for play, informal sports, and social areas, complete with movable structures and planting. A key feature will be a new pedestrian link to the Thames Path, achieved by demolishing part of the western boundary wall.

While the Port of London Authority raised concerns about the wharf's safeguarded status for future freight handling, the committee addressed this by granting a temporary, five-year permission. Conditions were imposed requiring a method statement for reinstating the wharf's original use and a legal agreement to ensure continued access for Thames Water.

Councillor Walaa Idris sought clarification on planting, noting that trees would be in planters due to underground tunnel restrictions. Officers confirmed that despite the current hardstanding, a biodiversity net gain plan would be implemented, aiming for a 10% improvement. Councillor Lloyd North inquired about the robustness of resident consultation, with officers assuring the committee that extensive engagement had taken place, though no public comments were received.

This decision aligns with Local Plan Policy GB15, which encourages meanwhile open spaces on safeguarded wharves until they are brought back into operational use. The temporary nature of the development, coupled with reinstatement conditions, ensures the long-term function of the wharf is preserved, in line with London Plan Policy SI14.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 30th, was cancelled.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Late-Night Licensing Sparks Resident Concerns Over Noise and Safety

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, April 23rd, to consider a controversial application for extended late-night operating hours for Callooh Callay, a restaurant located at 316-318 King's Road, London, SW3 5UH. The applicant, Rivington Street Hospitality Group Ltd, sought to extend alcohol sales and live music until 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and until 3:30 am on Sundays.

This proposal has ignited significant opposition from residents and local councillors. Twenty representations were lodged against the application, citing fears that the extended hours would exacerbate existing problems with anti-social behaviour, crime, and public nuisance. Residents have reported issues with intoxicated patrons in residential streets, noise disturbances, and concerns about drug dealing and petty crime. Councillors Josh Rendall, Will Pascal, and Kim Taylor-Smith, along with the Paultons Square Residents Association, have voiced these concerns, arguing that the proposed hours contradict the council's Statement of Licensing Policy, which generally limits licensable activities to midnight.

However, the application also received support from Howard Dawber OBE, the Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth. He highlighted the applicant's commitment to licensing objectives and stated that the proposal aligns with the Mayor of London's goals to revitalise local economies and enhance the evening and night-time offer across the city.

The committee had to weigh these competing interests, balancing the potential economic benefits of extended hours for a hospitality venue against the direct impact on the quality of life and safety of local residents. The decision could set a precedent for future licensing applications in the borough, particularly in areas with a high concentration of residential properties.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Restaurant Faces Licence Review Amidst Persistent Nuisance Complaints

Another Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Thursday, April 23rd, addressed a critical review of the premises licence for Baba Restaurant, located at Basement and Ground Floor, 212 Fulham Road, London, SW10 9PJ. The review was initiated by a resident, Mr Paul Tancre, due to ongoing concerns about public nuisance and public safety.

The core of the complaint centres on issues with the restaurant's kitchen extraction system and fridge compressor, which have led to persistent noise and nuisance. The report details that 34 noise and nuisance complaints, primarily related to plant noise, have been received in the past two years. These issues have escalated to the point where officers previously determined that plant noise constituted a statutory nuisance, resulting in a noise abatement notice being served on the operator. Despite this, further breaches were observed, leading to the licensee's company, Aley Aley Limited, being prosecuted and fined £3,000 on February 18th, 2026.

Adding to the concerns, rubbish bags from the restaurant's rear entrance on Seymour Walk have frequently spilled onto the pavement, obstructing the footway and attracting wildlife, raising further public safety and amenity issues. The report notes that the premises licence holder had not submitted a response to the review application at the time of the report.

The Licensing Sub-Committee had the power to take significant action, including modifying licence conditions, suspending the licence for up to three months, or even revoking it entirely. This case highlights the council's role in enforcing regulations to protect residents from persistent nuisances and ensure businesses operate responsibly, particularly when their activities impact the immediate neighbourhood.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Council Leadership Team Convenes Amidst Ongoing Service Reviews

The Leadership Team met on Wednesday, April 22nd. This high-level group, comprising the Leader of the Council, Councillor Elizabeth Campbell, and various Lead Members responsible for key service areas, regularly convenes to discuss and direct the council's strategic priorities. While the summary for this meeting is pending council publication, the attendees indicate a broad range of council functions were likely under review.

The presence of Lead Members for areas such as Housing Management, Housing Safety & Building New Homes, Adult Social Care & Public Health, and Planning & Public Realm suggests that ongoing service delivery, policy development, and future planning were on the agenda. Decisions made by the Leadership Team can have a profound impact on the services available to residents, from housing provision and safety standards to the development of our neighbourhoods and the support offered to vulnerable individuals.

Read more about the Leadership Team meeting.

Other Matters

The Planning Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, April 21st, was cancelled.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, April 23rd, with the reference number 103964, is pending scraping and no further information is available at this time.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Council Grapples with Planning Applications: From Basement Excavations to New Sports Facilities

The Planning Applications Committee met on Thursday, April 16th, to consider a wide array of development proposals that will shape our neighbourhoods. These decisions impact everything from the character of our streets to the availability of community amenities, and crucially, the living conditions of residents.

Homes, Extensions, and Community Spaces

The committee reviewed numerous applications for residential extensions and alterations. Proposals included:

• Basement Excavations: Applications for basement developments at 120-122 Holland Park Avenue and 38 Kelso Place were discussed. These proposals, which involve lowering floor levels and creating new basement spaces, are subject to strict policies like the Basement SPD¹ to mitigate impacts on neighbouring properties, trees, and flood risk. The council's approach here aims to balance development with the protection of existing living conditions.
• Residential Extensions and Alterations: Plans for roof extensions, pergolas, and internal reconfigurations at properties like Flat 37, Addisland Court, 21A Carlyle Square, and 11 Penywern Road were considered. These often involve balancing the applicant's desire for improved living space with the need to protect the character of conservation areas and the privacy of neighbours. For instance, at 49 Radnor Walk, a proposed roof terrace was deferred for further site visits due to concerns about loss of privacy.
• New Facilities and Refurbishments: The committee also looked at plans for a new sports facility, the refurbishment of a ball court into a Football Foundation Playzone adjacent to 11 Blantyre Street. While the loss of a mature London Plane tree was noted, the benefits of an improved sports facility were deemed to outweigh this, highlighting the council's role in balancing environmental considerations with community needs. Additionally, proposals for refurbishing toilet facilities at the Public Library, Chelsea Old Town Hall, aimed to improve accessibility and meet modern standards.

Concerns Over Gambling Venues and Housing Loss

A particularly contentious application involved a proposed change of use at 177-179 Earl's Court Road. The plan to convert financial services premises into a Bingo facility and Adult Gaming Centre, alongside residential units, was recommended for refusal. Concerns were raised about the potential for inactive frontages, the proliferation of gambling establishments, and the risk of anti-social behaviour. This decision reflects the council's commitment to maintaining the vitality of town centres and protecting residential amenity, especially for vulnerable residents who might be disproportionately affected by such developments.

Another application, for Flats C and D, 5 Brechin Place, proposed amalgamating two flats into one larger dwelling. This was recommended for refusal due to the net loss of a residential unit, directly conflicting with Local Plan Policy HO1, which aims to protect existing housing stock. This highlights the council's focus on preserving housing availability for residents.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Council Constitution Under Review: Ensuring Good Governance

The Constitution committee met on Tuesday, April 14th, to discuss proposed amendments to the council's governing document. The Constitution is the bedrock of how the council operates, defining its structure, decision-making processes, and the conduct of its members and officers.

Key Areas of Review:

The committee's discussions covered several critical aspects of the council's governance:

• Councillor Conduct: This included reviewing the Councillor Code of Conduct, ensuring ethical standards are maintained, and outlining councillors' rights to access information.
• Decision-Making Processes: The Constitution details how the Executive and Full Council operate, including the process for making Key Decisions and Executive Decisions.
• Committee Structures: The roles and responsibilities of various committees, including those for non-executive functions and scrutiny, were examined.
• Officer Roles and Responsibilities: The Constitution defines the duties of senior officers, such as the Chief Executive and Monitoring Officer, ensuring clear lines of accountability.
• Procedural Rules: This encompasses codes of governance, access to information, financial procedures, and contract regulations, all vital for transparent and effective operation.

The review and potential amendment of the Constitution are essential for ensuring the council remains accountable, transparent, and effective in serving its residents.

Read more about the Constitution meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, April 16th. While the meeting status is pending council publication, it is understood that the committee considered a range of licensing applications. These decisions directly impact local businesses and the amenity of residential areas, balancing economic activity with the prevention of public nuisance and ensuring public safety.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Children's Health and Wellbeing Take Centre Stage Amidst Homecare Reforms

The Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee met on Monday, March 23rd, to discuss critical updates on children's health and wellbeing, alongside the mobilisation of a new homecare framework. The committee also received an update on the Suicide Prevention Strategy Working Group.

Children's Health and Wellbeing: A Focus on Young Voices

A key focus of the meeting was the Director of Public Health's Annual Report, titled In Children's Own Words. This report, which surveyed 1,952 pupils across eighteen primary, four secondary, and one special school, highlights rising concerns about children's emotional wellbeing and mental health. It also points to increasing risks associated with digital exposure and online safety, persistent challenges with nutrition and oral health, and a worrying rise in youth vaping.

The report's recommendations strongly advocate for prioritising children's voices in decision-making, strengthening collaboration across services, and focusing on prevention and equity. This approach is vital for ensuring that support reaches those who need it most, particularly in areas of deprivation. The committee's discussion of this report underscores the council's commitment to understanding and addressing the complex health needs of its youngest residents.

Transforming Homecare for Vulnerable Residents

The committee also reviewed the mobilisation of the Bi-borough Homecare Framework. This new place-based model aims to improve the continuity of care for residents by allocating dedicated providers to specific neighbourhoods. The framework, which covers neighbourhood homecare delivery, spot purchasing, complex care, and bridging and reablement, involves twenty-two providers and an estimated £78 million over seven years.

Crucially, all providers are mandated to pay the London Living Wage and for travel time, ensuring fair compensation for care workers. The model's co-design with residents, care workers, and partners signifies a commitment to person-centred outcomes. This initiative is particularly important for vulnerable groups who rely on consistent and high-quality homecare support.

Suicide Prevention Efforts

An update was provided on the work of the Suicide Prevention Strategy Working Group, which has been specifically examining adult males as a high-risk group. This focus highlights the council's dedication to addressing sensitive and critical public health issues.

Read more about the Adult Social Care & Health Select Committee meeting.

Council's Financial Health and Pension Fund Management Under Scrutiny

The Pension Board met on Monday, March 23rd, to review the financial standing of the council's pension fund, including actuarial valuation results and investment performance. These discussions are fundamental to ensuring the long-term security of pensions for current and future retirees.

Actuarial Valuation and Funding Strategy

A significant item on the agenda was the actuarial valuation results and the proposed funding strategy statement. This report assesses the financial health of the pension fund and outlines the strategy for meeting future pension obligations. The proposed employer contribution rates for 2026-2029 were also under review, directly impacting the council's financial planning and the sustainability of the pension fund.

Risk Management and Investment Performance

The board also examined the pension fund's risk management strategies and its quarterly investment performance. Reports from investment managers like Northern Trust and Baillie Gifford were presented, offering insights into how the fund's assets are performing. Understanding these financial details is crucial for maintaining the fund's solvency and ensuring it can meet its commitments to pensioners.

Read more about the Pension Board meeting.

Councillor Conduct and Governance Arrangements Reviewed

The Audit & Transparency Committee met on Monday, March 23rd, to discuss matters of councillor conduct and the council's governance procedures.

Councillor Code of Conduct and Complaints

The committee reviewed a report concerning complaints made against Councillor Jedut, where investigators found breaches of the Councillor Code of Conduct. The committee's role in determining whether a breach occurred and deciding on appropriate sanctions, such as censure or recommending training, is vital for upholding public trust and ensuring accountability. The discussion also covered the council's arrangements for dealing with councillor complaints, a process designed to be fair and transparent.

Local Government Association Guidance

The committee also considered the Local Government Association's Model Councillor Code of Conduct and accompanying guidance. This review ensures that the council's own standards align with best practices in local government ethics and behaviour.

Read more about the Audit & Transparency Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Administration Committee met on Monday, March 23rd. The meeting's information status is pending council publication, so specific details of discussions and decisions are not yet available.

Read more about the Administration Committee meeting.

The Planning Applications Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 24th, was cancelled.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

The Leadership Team met on Wednesday, March 25th, to discuss a range of important issues including housing care and support services, the relocation of St Mark's Day Centre, and the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme. Key decisions were made regarding contract awards for housing care and support services and the approval of the Small Business Rate Relief Scheme for the upcoming years. The team also reviewed the Residents Survey 2025 Action Plan, the Q3 Financial Monitoring Report, Q3 Housing Management Performance, and the repair of Albert Bridge. A decision was also made regarding the write-off of arrears and accrued rent at 50 Sloane Avenue.

Read more about the Leadership Team meeting.