Kensington and Chelsea Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for a single-storey basement extension at 14 Lennox Gardens. The new subterranean space will house a yoga studio, gym, swimming pool, and associated facilities.
The committee granted planning permission for the development on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The decision followed a review of the application, which had received objections from residents concerned about potential structural damage, noise, traffic, air quality, and the location of servicing infrastructure.
Council officers addressed these concerns, noting that the proposal complies with Local Plan Policy CD11 regarding basement development. To mitigate potential structural damage to neighbouring properties during construction, a Construction Method Statement
has been submitted. This statement is supported by a detailed geotechnical investigation, including borehole testing, soil sampling and structural assessments, prepared by suitably qualified professionals.
It demonstrates how the excavation, temporary works and permanent basement structure can be delivered whilst safeguarding the structural stability of the host building, neighbouring properties and surrounding infrastructure.
Furthermore, a condition requires the appointment of a Chartered Civil Engineer or Chartered Structural Engineer for the duration of the building works to supervise construction. If the appointed engineer or supervisor ceases their role, works must halt until a replacement is appointed and confirmed in writing to the Local Planning Authority.
Conditions have also been attached to manage other construction impacts, including noise, dust, and traffic. These will be managed through a Code of Construction Practice,
which mandates the submission and approval of an Appendix A Checklist and Site Construction Management Plan (SCMP)
before development begins. This plan will detail measures to mitigate the impact of construction work upon the levels of amenity that neighbouring occupiers should reasonably expect to enjoy.
A Construction Traffic Management Plan (CTMP)
is also required, outlining routeing of demolition, excavation and construction vehicles,
access arrangements to the site,
and measures to protect pedestrians and other highway users from construction activities on the highway.
The council has the authority to prosecute developers and their contractors if work is not managed properly.
A Section 106 agreement will be entered into, binding the owner to not further implement planning permission PP/05/00161. This agreement is intended To ensure that the basement does not exceed 50% in the future
and preventing the basement from exceeding the 50% garden coverage limit.
The basement will include a yoga studio/gym, toilet, shower, swimming pool, pool storeroom, and plant room. The proposal was found to comply with Local Plan Policy CD11 regarding basement development.
For further details on the meeting, refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.