The Planning Applications Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Tuesday 28 April 2026 to consider a planning application for Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore. The committee granted planning permission for a temporary change of use of the safeguarded wharf from waste use to a public open space.

Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore - Change of Use to Public Open Space

The committee granted planning permission for a time-limited change of use of the safeguarded wharf at Cremorne Wharf Depot Foreshore, Lots Road, London, SW10, from its current waste use to a public open space. This permission is for a period of up to five years. The proposal includes the provision of seating, planting, trees, play areas, and informal sports facilities. It also involves the demolition of part of the western boundary wall to create a new pedestrian link to the Thames Path, new gates on Lots Road, and other associated works.

The application was presented to the committee as the council itself was the applicant. The site is designated as a safeguarded wharf, meaning it is protected for future use in waterborne freight handling and waste management. The proposal was referable to the Mayor of London due to this safeguarded status.

Alice Culver, an officer presenting the report, explained that the application sought to provide a new meanwhile open space until such time as the wharf is brought back into its designated use. This aligns with Policy GB15 of the local plan, which encourages temporary uses on safeguarded wharves where they do not prevent future reuse for waterborne freight. The London Plan also permits such temporary uses.

The proposed open space is designed to be temporary, featuring movable structures. It includes different zones for play, informal sports, and social areas, with existing concrete surfaces to be painted to delineate these zones. A new access point is planned on the western boundary to connect to the Thames Path.

Concerns were raised by the Port of London Authority (PLA) regarding the safeguarded status of the wharf. In response, officers recommended conditions to ensure the permission is temporary (five years) and includes a requirement for a method statement detailing how the site would be reinstated for wharf use. A pending legal agreement will also facilitate the future reactivation of the wharf.

During the discussion, councillors asked about the planting, noting that trees would be in planters due to restrictions from the Thames Tideway Tunnel beneath the site. Questions were also raised about biodiversity net gain, with officers confirming that while the current site is hardstanding, the proposal would provide a biodiversity net gain. The specific pollinators considered were not detailed, but bird boxes were mentioned as a habitat enhancement. The safety of the removable structures was also discussed, with officers highlighting that safety has been considered in the design and that a condition relating to safety and public rescue is recommended.

Councillor Walaa Idris inquired about the imported soils and the biodiversity standards. Officers confirmed that imported soils have been reviewed for contamination and that the biodiversity net gain meets the required standards, representing an enhancement on the current site.

The consultation process was also discussed, with councillors noting the lack of objections and paying tribute to ward councillors for their engagement with residents. Officers confirmed that statutory consultation had taken place, including site notices and advertising in the Gazette, but no public comments were received.

The committee voted to grant planning permission, subject to the recommended conditions and the completion of a legal agreement. Councillor James Husband, Chair of the Planning Applications Committee, noted the significant size of the land and expressed that bringing it forward for public use was overall good news.

The decision to grant permission was made after considering the site's designation as a safeguarded wharf and the need to balance its long-term strategic function with the immediate community benefits of a public open space. The temporary nature of the proposal, coupled with conditions for reinstatement and future reactivation, was key to the decision. The proposal also aims to enhance the Thames Path and improve public access to the riverside.