Scaffolding, which is already in place, surrounding Harrods, the iconic Knightsbridge department store, will remain for an extended period to facilitate crucial facade repairs. The need for these repairs arose from the discovery of remedial works required to the building's facade.
Kensington and Chelsea Council's Planning Applications Committee addressed the matter at their meeting on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, agreeing to extend advertisement consent for the scaffolding wrap. The application CA/25/03427 sought permission to extend the existing illuminated advertisement shroud for no longer than six months from 30 November 2025.
The application concerned the installation of an illuminated fabric scaffolding wrap to Hans Crescent facade, and the addition of a large rectangular illuminated signage advert banner, on righthand side end of scaffolding elevation at Harrods, 87-135 Brompton Road.
The report pack noted that no objections had been received, and that the site was Grade II* Listed and within the Hans Town Conservation Area.
The Planning Applications Committee, including Cllr James Husband (Chair, Planning Committee and Planning Applications Committee), Cllr Walaa Idris (Chair, Family Services Select Committee), Cllr Sam Mackover (Vice-Chair, Environment Select Committee), and Cllr Sonia Zvedeniuk, reviewed the application details. The committee determined that the proposed shroud, given its temporary nature and location, would be appropriate in the wider streetscape and would not harm the visual amenity in the area. The advertisement would not be positioned to impair sight lines for motorists, block traffic signals nor would it incorporate moving or digital images. As such the advertisement would not adversely affect highway safety. The proposed illumination of the temporary shrouding would not result in any undue impacts upon local highway conditions or specifically highway safety. The report for application CA/25/03427 stated that the proposed shroud would therefore comply with policies CD3, CD4, TR1 and TR4 of the Local Plan 2024.
The report pack for application CA/25/03427 stated that the application seeks the extension of an existing illuminated advertisement shroud by a period of no longer than six months from 30th November 2025 due to the discovery of remedial works required to the building façade.
The committee granted advertisement consent subject to conditions, including:
- The advertisement must be maintained in a clean and tidy condition.
- The scaffolding must be maintained in a safe condition.
- The advertisement must be removed by 31 May 2026.
- The maximum steady brightness of the illumination of the advertisement(s) shall not exceed 52 candelas per square metre.
- The illumination of the advertisement(s) shall not at any time be intermittent.
- The advertisements shall not be illuminated between 22:00 hours and 07:30 hours the following day.
 and surrounding conservation areas and listed buildings, which was the subject of advertisement consent application CA/25/03427.
The report for application CA/25/03427 recommends a condition that the maximum steady brightness of the illumination of the advertisement(s) shall not exceed 52 candelas per square metre.
The decision reflects the council's commitment to balancing the needs of businesses with the preservation of the borough's architectural heritage.
