Bid for late-night alcohol sales on Cheney Walk significantly scaled back after resident objections
A bid to open a convenience store selling alcohol until 3 am on Cheney Walk has been met with a barrage of objections from residents and local groups, leading to a significantly reduced proposed closing time.
The Kensington and Chelsea Licensing Sub-Committee heard on Thursday 15 October 2026 that the applicant, Mr. Rajender Singh, had initially sought permission for alcohol sales until 3 am on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. However, following extensive opposition from residents, local organisations, and the Metropolitan Police, the application was amended to restrict alcohol sales to 11 pm every day of the week.
The meeting was told that the application had attracted 23 representations from residents, the Chelsea Reach Boatowners' Association, the Lots Road Neighbourhood Forum, and The Cheyne Walk Trust. The Metropolitan Police also lodged an objection on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder.
Objectors raised concerns about noise, litter, congregation, and anti-social behaviour, particularly given the premises' location in a predominantly residential conservation area. Many cited the Royal Borough's Statement of Licensing Policy, which generally limits late-night opening to midnight in residential areas. The anticipated impact of the 11 pm closing time, while a significant amendment from the original 3 am proposal, still prompted concerns. PC Charlotte Bennett of the Metropolitan Police acknowledged the amendment made her a little bit more comfortable,
but still expressed reservations about the potential for anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder.
PC Charlotte Bennett also raised specific concerns beyond general crime prevention regarding the sale of miniature bottles and cocktails, stating, They are a massive concern for us and they're commonly used by street drinkers, also drug users.
She also questioned the effectiveness of a proposed hatch-style sales facility, noting, Also to mention, and it's documented in the PCSO's statement as well, the premises is located to a few housing estates. It's right next to the World's End Estate. Then you've got Cremor Gardens, Cremor Estate. In policing, from a policing perspective, we've historically experienced issues regarding crime and disorder and ASB, and some of that is due to alcohol consumption as well. So they still haven't said how they're going to put control measures in place to prevent alcohol sales within the immediate vicinity. Also, I'd just like to know if this hatch-style arrangement is still going to be in place. I understand why you was proposing that, but that hatch arrangement only stops issues occurring inside the premises. It doesn't stop any ASB or crime and disorder in the local vicinity when people purchase that alcohol and then take it away to potentially street drink.
Mr. David Saiz, a Planning Officer (Enforcement) for RBKC, informed the committee of a historic planning condition restricting restaurant use at 112 Cheney Walk to between 11 am and 11 pm (or 11:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:30 pm on Sundays). This condition was implemented to safeguard neighbouring amenity
and was associated with planning permission PP/07/00678 for the erection of a glazed roof over a rear courtyard area to provide additional enclosed restaurant floorspace. He confirmed that the current application, as amended, was not inconsistent with this planning history but warned that any operation inconsistent with planning restrictions could lead to enforcement action.
The premises at 112 Cheney Walk is currently not in operation. Historically, it operated as a restaurant called The Painted Heron.
The meeting summary states, It closed a long time ago and subsequently the whole building has been refurbished. And there has been no commercial activity in the building and isn't at present.
During the hearing, the applicant's partner, Mr. Lutra, indicated a willingness to consider extended hours until midnight on Saturdays if conditions could be met. He stated, If it can be granted for the Saturday, Friday, Saturday, till bit late, till midnight, if it can be considered. Thank you. So I'm saying the sale of alcohol, the hours of operation will be until 11pm, all days, seven days a week. Yeah. And the hours of operations will be till what time? 3am? Because your submission has till 3am? And I think he said midnight on Saturday. Okay. Midnight on Saturday. But that's the request. For the weekend, if he can get some extended hours, based on some conditions, we are willing to accept the conditions.
After hearing all submissions, the committee retired to a private session to make its decision, which was to be communicated within five working days.
Agenda frontsheet 15th Oct 2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee Public reports pack 15th Oct 2026 10.00 Licensing Sub-Committee