Kensington and Chelsea Council has approved the installation of digital advertising boards on Cheyne Walk, despite concerns about the area's residents. The decision was made during a Leadership Team meeting on Wednesday, 9 July 2025.
The Leadership Team agreed to grant London Lites a licence for the installation of two digital boards and surrounding green wall structures at 106 Cheyne Walk. This decision follows the granting of planning permission on 24 June 2025, under references CA/25/02538 and PP/24/08267.
The council aims to balance revenue generation with its commitment to environmental and social well-being. The installation of green walls alongside the digital boards is intended to improve the streetscape, enhance air quality, and promote biodiversity, aligning with the council's plan for a Greener Kensington and Chelsea.
The move comes after the council terminated its existing licence agreement for the site due to underperformance. The previous agreement, which was due to expire in 2028, yielded an annual income of £30,000, with a potential additional £5,000 per 2-week and £10,000 per 4-week commercial displays, although there were very few of these. After serving notice on 28 November 2024, the previous licence expired on 28 May 2025.
Fourteen suppliers initially expressed interest in the new licence, with six ultimately submitting bids. The submissions were evaluated based on price (70%), quality (20%), and social value (10%). Price was further divided between a guaranteed sum (55%) and revenue share (15%). London Lites was selected as the preferred supplier for submitting the most economically advantageous tender based on these criteria.
The Leadership Team's decision was based on the draft terms set out in the exempt (Part B) Appendix 1, which were not disclosed in the publicly available summary. The report recommends granting London Lites a licence based on the draft terms set out in the exempt (Part B) Appendix 1 having been granted planning permission (CA/25/02538) and (PP/24/08267) both granted on 24/06/2025 for the installation of two digital boards and two surrounding green wall structures at 106 Cheyne Walk.
The council's decision aligns with its 2023-2027 Council Plan, which aims for RBKC to become the Best Council and a Borough that is Greener, Safer and Fairer
. The Council Plan aims to create an environment where entrepreneurs, social enterprises and business can flourish
and for the Council to continue to provide the conditions and support for existing businesses to succeed
.
The meeting agenda shows that the Leadership Team, chaired by Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, also discussed updates on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, treasury management, financial monitoring, housing management performance, and a new housing strategy.