The Licensing Sub-Committee of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to consider a contested Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application for 305 Westbourne Grove, W11 2SE, in relation to the Notting Hill Carnival. The committee decided to issue a counter notice, effectively refusing the application, due to concerns about public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder.

Objection to Temporary Event Notice at 305 Westbourne Grove

The primary focus of the meeting was to determine the Temporary Event Notice (TEN) application submitted by Mr Takudzwa Musavengana for a carnival event outside 305 Westbourne Grove, London, W11 2SE. The notice sought permission for regulated entertainment on Sunday 30 August and Monday 31 August 2026, between 12 midday and 7 p.m. each day, with a maximum capacity of 499 persons.

Both the Metropolitan Police and the council's Noise and Nuisance Team had lodged objections to the TEN. PC Mark Perry, representing the Metropolitan Police, stated that the application was for a pop-up sound system and that the applicant had not engaged with the established planning processes for the Notting Hill Carnival. PC Perry argued that allowing a sound system in this location, which is on the parade route and close to a main crossover point, would pose a significant risk to public safety. He highlighted concerns about potential crushing and crowd surges in a densely populated residential area, noting the applicant had made no provision for crowd management, risk assessment, or communication in case of issues. PC Perry requested the committee issue a counter notice.

Councillor Laura Burns, Deputy Mayor and Vice-Chair of the Licensing Committee, questioned PC Perry about the proximity of the proposed site to a safe space zone and the potential for it to impede access. PC Perry confirmed that blocking access to safe spaces increases risk, particularly for vulnerable individuals. He also clarified that while the applicant was not intending to sell alcohol, they might sell cold drinks or merchandise.

Philip Richardson, Principal Environmental Health Officer for the Noise and Nuisance Team, echoed the concerns raised by the police. He stated that the proposed location on Westbourne Grove is known for heavy congestion during the Carnival and that the TEN was likely to exacerbate this by drawing and holding people at the site, negatively affecting crowd flow. Mr Richardson also highlighted that sound system locations are planned months in advance and undergo rigorous risk assessments by independent companies, a process the applicant had not followed. He requested the committee issue a counter notice on the grounds of undermining public safety.

Mr Takudzwa Musavengana, the applicant, was delayed due to train issues and arrived later in the hearing. He apologised for his lateness and stated that his objection was already detailed in his written submission. He reiterated that his main concern was that the applicant had not gone through the correct procedure with Notting Hill Carnival Limited for safety and risk assessments, and that the location was not suitable for a sound system. He noted that he had not spoken to Mr Richardson since the objection was lodged.

After hearing representations from the police and the Noise and Nuisance Team, and a brief statement from the applicant, the Licensing Sub-Committee, chaired by Councillor Greg Hammond, retired to consider its decision. Upon returning, the committee announced its decision to issue a counter notice, thereby refusing the Temporary Event Notice. This decision was based on the significant risks to public safety and the prevention of crime and disorder identified by the objectors, particularly in the context of the densely populated and complex environment of the Notting Hill Carnival. The committee noted the applicant's lack of engagement with the established carnival planning processes and the absence of adequate risk assessments and event management plans.