Kensington and Chelsea Council's Planning Applications Committee has deferred a decision on the installation of an emergency generator at a medical facility due to significant concerns regarding its visual impact and potential noise pollution.
The committee, meeting on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, heard that the generator, described as a massive piece of plant,
is essential for the facility's operations, including MRI and CT scans and day surgery theatres. However, councillors expressed reservations about its proximity to residential properties and its aesthetic impact on the conservation area.
During the discussion, councillors questioned the applicant's representative about alternative solutions, such as battery backup systems, but were informed that current battery options are not certified for medical use. The applicant's representative stated that the generator would be smaller once unwrapped and that screening options, including soft screening and planters, were being considered.
Concerns were also raised about the generator's fuel source and storage, with the applicant confirming it runs on diesel and that only small quantities are stored on-site, posing no significant storage risk.
Councillors debated the possibility of underground installation, but the applicant argued that ventilation for an underground unit would be more intrusive than the proposed balcony siting. The committee ultimately decided to defer the decision to allow for further investigation into the generator's placement, screening, and overall impact, with a potential site visit by councillors.
