The Licensing Sub-Committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council met on Thursday 15 October 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for Unit 3, 111-112 Cheney Walk, London, SW10 0DJ. The application sought permission for the sale of alcohol off the premises, with proposed hours extending until 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Following extensive representations from residents, local groups, and the Metropolitan Police, the applicant amended their proposal to restrict alcohol sales to 11 pm every day. The committee heard evidence and arguments from all parties before retiring to make a decision, which would be communicated within five working days.

Application for Premises Licence at 111-112 Cheney Walk

The primary focus of the meeting was the application for a premises licence for Unit 3, 111-112 Cheney Walk, London, SW10 0DJ, submitted by Mr. Rajender Singh. The application initially sought permission for the sale of alcohol off the premises from 7 am to 11 pm from Sunday to Wednesday, and from 7 am to 3 am from Thursday to Saturday. The premises would also be open to the public during these hours.

The application attracted significant opposition, with 23 representations received from local residents, the CRBA Limited (representing boat owners at Chelsea Yacht and Boat Company), the Lots Road Neighbourhood Forum, and The Cheyne Walk Trust. The Metropolitan Police, represented by PC Charlotte Bennett, also lodged an objection on the grounds of the prevention of crime and disorder.

Applicant's Initial Proposal and Amendments:

Mr. Rajender Singh, the applicant, initially proposed late-night alcohol sales until 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. He also suggested measures such as CCTV, a designated supervisor, staff training, and a glass/plastic partition at the till area. In response to concerns, particularly from the Metropolitan Police regarding the late hours and proximity to residential areas, Mr. Singh, along with his partner Mr. Lutra, agreed to amend the application. The revised proposal sought alcohol sales and public opening hours to conclude at 11 pm every day of the week. Mr. Singh also indicated a willingness to consider extended hours until midnight on Saturdays if conditions could be met.

Representations from Responsible Authorities and Other Parties:

PC Charlotte Bennett of the Metropolitan Police initially objected to the proposed 3 am hours, citing concerns about increased crime and disorder due to the premises' proximity to a housing estate with existing issues. While acknowledging the amendment to 11 pm, PC Bennett expressed a breakdown of trust due to the applicant's initial unwillingness to negotiate hours during the consultation period. She also raised concerns about the sale of miniature bottles and cocktails, and the effectiveness of a proposed hatch-style sales facility.

Objectors, including Mr. David Waddell, who resides immediately adjacent to the premises, and representatives from the CRBA Limited, the Lots Road Neighbourhood Forum, and The Cheyne Walk Trust, voiced strong opposition. Their primary concerns centred on the prevention of public nuisance and crime and disorder. They highlighted the predominantly residential character of Cheney Walk, its status as a conservation area, and the potential for noise, litter, congregation, and anti-social behaviour arising from late-night alcohol sales. Many objectors pointed to the RBKC Statement of Licensing Policy, which generally limits late-night opening to midnight in residential areas.

Concerns were also raised about the lack of adequate management plans, the potential for increased traffic and parking issues in the cul-de-sac location, and the proximity to children's playgrounds. Several objectors noted that there were already several convenience stores and off-licences on the nearby King's Road, questioning the necessity of this application.

Draft Conditions and Deliberations:

The meeting included a session to discuss draft conditions, led by the legal officer, Geoffrey Shaw. The applicant indicated willingness to accept a range of conditions, including those related to CCTV, staff training, refusal of sales, litter management, and delivery policies. Discussions also touched upon the proposed hatch-style sales facility, with the legal officer noting that such a facility would likely require a separate application. The applicant agreed to a no ID, no sale policy, which was considered stricter than the Challenge 25 policy.

Planning Considerations:

Mr. David Saiz, a Planning Officer (Enforcement) for RBKC, provided information regarding the planning history of 112 Cheney Walk. He noted a historic planning condition restricting restaurant use to between 11 am and 11 pm (or 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:30 pm on Sundays) to safeguard neighbouring amenity. He confirmed that the current application, as it stood, was not inconsistent with the planning history, but warned that any operation inconsistent with planning restrictions could lead to enforcement action.

Conclusion of the Hearing:

After hearing all submissions and discussing the proposed conditions, the committee retired to a private session to make its decision. The decision would not be announced at the hearing, but a summary determination would be sent to all parties within five working days, followed by a full decision.