Councillors on the Kensington and Chelsea Planning Applications Committee rejected a retrospective planning application for window and garage door replacements at 17 South End, citing concerns about the materials used and their impact on the conservation area.
The decision came during a meeting on Tuesday, 24 June 2025, where the committee considered a range of planning applications. View the full meeting details here.
The application sought approval for the replacement of garage doors and first-floor windows. While officers recommended granting permission, councillors ultimately disagreed, focusing on the materials used in the window frames.
Objector Liar Mannering argued the application was extraordinary and being dealt with in a very odd way, as it dealt with unauthorised cosmetic changes but did not deal with the unauthorised change of use for which these changes were made.
She also criticised the ugly and cheap
metal windows, advocating for timber-framed replacements.
Cllr Emma Dent Coad questioned whether the windows were UPVC or a wood composite, highlighting the difference in their appearance and aging. An officer confirmed the original timber frames had been replaced with aluminium, a change deemed acceptable by officers, a view not shared by Cllr Dent Coad, who stated she was struggling to see how the council could allow aluminium windows at first floor level clearly visible from the street, and that she had never seen anything like that in this kind of area where everything is timber and sash.
The committee also:
- Approved listed building consent for the replacement of flat entrance doors to meet current fire regulations at Kensal House.
- Granted planning permission for the installation of air source heat pump units at 67 Holland Park.
- Approved planning permission for the creation of a roof terrace at 21 Victoria Gardens.
- Approved planning permission for the installation of an air source heat pump at 8 Queensdale Walk.
- Approved planning permission to replace the existing timber shed with a metal clad insulated unit at The Feeney Arms.
- Approved advertisement consent for the replacement of two existing LED digital displays with smaller displays and a living wall at 106 Cheyne Walk.
- Approved planning permission for a change of use of the car park to create two class E units with associated shop front and external alterations at Oakley House.
- Approved the discharge of condition 4f relating to an entrance door and canopy at Treadgold House.
- Deferred a decision on 24 Earl's Court Square.