A Kensington and Chelsea planning application for a rear extension at 70 Haunton Street has been turned down by the Planning Applications Committee, citing concerns over the impact on a neighbouring property's access to light.
The committee convened on Tuesday, 22 July 2025, to discuss the application, along with numerous other planning and conservation matters across the borough. After hearing from both the owner of the neighbouring property and the agent for the applicant, the committee voted to refuse the application.
Mark Wheelhouse, owner of 72 Haunton Street, argued that the proposed extension would negatively affect sunlight to his garden. He stated that the height of the extension would be approximately 50 centimetres above the existing wall, an increase of 20 to 25%, and the building would be along 40% of the length of the dividing wall between the properties.
The agent for the applicant, Mr Tran, said that the design was carefully considered to minimise impact and that the extension complied with planning policies.
However, councillors expressed concerns about the design and the impact on the small gardens, leading to the refusal. Cllr Ali and Cllr Weeden-Sanz both voiced concerns about the design, with Cllr Weeden-Sanz saying he was still hung up on the design and so much glass and out of keeping
.
The committee ultimately voted against the recommendation to grant the application. The motion to refuse was proposed by Cllr Ali and seconded by Cllr Zvedeniuk. The reasons for refusal were:
- The proposed lower ground floor extension, by reason of its increase in height in relation to the boundary wall, would cause a harmful loss of light and increased sense of enclosure to the rear garden area of 72 Haunton Street.
- The proposed lower ground floor extension, by reason of its modern design and expansive glazing, would fail to preserve and enhance the conservation area.
You can read more about the meeting, including the full transcript, on the Kensington and Chelsea Open Council Network page.