This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Adult Gaming Centre Licence Sparks Widespread Resident Opposition

A proposal to open an Adult Gaming Centre (AGC) at the former Lloyds Bank building on Earl's Court Road, SW5 9RE, faced significant opposition from residents and local representatives at a Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on Wednesday, July 15th. Silvertime Amusements Limited applied for a premises licence to operate the centre 24 hours a day, offering a range of gaming machines.

While the applicant, who already operates a similar venue nearby, received no objections from responsible authorities, a staggering 345 representations were lodged by interested parties. These included concerns from Mr Joe Powell MP, Councillor Linda Wade, former councillors, and seven resident associations.

The core of the opposition centres on the potential for increased gambling-related harm, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Residents highlighted that the area already has a high concentration of gambling premises and expressed fears that a new 24-hour AGC would exacerbate existing social issues such as crime, anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and rough sleeping. Concerns were also raised about the proximity of the proposed centre to schools and youth facilities, and its potential impact on those recovering from addiction or experiencing homelessness.

The committee was tasked with balancing the applicant's right to operate with the council's duty to protect children and vulnerable persons from harm, prevent crime and disorder, and ensure fair gambling practices. The report noted that a previous planning application for a change of use to a Bingo and Adult Gaming Centre had been refused. The committee's decision will have a direct impact on the character of the area and the wellbeing of its residents.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Notting Hill Carnival Event Notices Face Scrutiny Over Safety Concerns

Several Temporary Event Notices (TENs) for events planned during Notting Hill Carnival 2026 were discussed by the Licensing Sub-Committee this week, with significant objections raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise and Nuisance Team. The core of these objections lies in a perceived lack of adequate planning and risk assessment, raising serious questions about public safety during the borough's largest annual event.

Applications for events including the Starliner Diamond Sound System and Bar Site at Bosworth Road, W10 5EQ, and the G I Roadshow Sound System and Bar Site at Adela Street, W10, were met with objections due to insufficient detail in submitted Risk Assessments and Event Management Plans. The police, represented by PC Mark Perry, expressed concerns that these events could lead to overcrowding, crime, and disorder, particularly in already congested areas.

Similarly, an objection was lodged against a TEN for LOVE TKO at Hazlewood Tower, Golborne Gardens, W10, citing a lack of engagement with Notting Hill Carnival Limited (NHCL) and insufficient plans for managing crowds and potential incidents. Another TEN for a cash and carry at 84 Golborne Road, W10, also faced objections from the police and environmental health due to concerns about its location within the carnival footprint and the potential for increased congestion and disorder.

The Licensing Sub-Committee has the difficult task of balancing the desire for vibrant community events with the paramount need to ensure public safety. The repeated objections highlight a pattern of concern regarding the preparedness of some event organisers for large-scale public gatherings, particularly during the intense period of Notting Hill Carnival. The council's commitment to promoting public safety and preventing crime and disorder is being tested as these applications are reviewed.

• Read more about the Starliner Diamond Sound System and Bar Site objection.
• Read more about the G I Roadshow Sound System and Bar Site objection.
• Read more about the LOVE TKO objection.
• Read more about the Cash & Carry objection.

Major Redevelopment Plans for Royal Marsden Hospital and Telford Road Approved in Principle

The Planning Committee met on Monday, July 13th, to consider significant redevelopment proposals, including a major expansion of the Royal Marsden Hospital and the demolition and rebuilding of a site on Telford Road to provide a nursery and residential flats.

Royal Marsden Hospital Expansion

Plans for the Royal Marsden Hospital at 203 Fulham Road, London, SW3 6JJ, involve demolishing existing buildings to create a new seven-storey extension. While the demolition of the Oratory Building was acknowledged to cause less than substantial harm to the Chelsea Park/Carlyle Conservation Area, this was deemed to be outweighed by the substantial public benefits of expanding a leading cancer centre. Concerns were raised about the design and massing of the new extension and its impact on neighbouring streets. The committee recommended granting planning permission, subject to a legal agreement securing necessary contributions for highway and active travel improvements, and the implementation of various management plans.

Telford Road and Ladbroke Grove Redevelopment

A separate application for 2-14 Telford Road and 246-248 Ladbroke Grove, London, W10 5SH, proposed demolishing an existing building to construct a part four, part five, and part six-storey building containing a nursery and 27 residential flats. The report highlighted the positive contribution to housing stock and the provision of a purpose-built nursery. However, the proposal conflicted with Local Plan Policy CD9 regarding living conditions due to potential reductions in daylight and sunlight for neighbours. This conflict was also considered to be outweighed by the public benefits. The recommendation was to grant planning permission, subject to a legal undertaking for infrastructure improvements, affordable housing reviews, and public art.

These decisions demonstrate the council's role in shaping the borough's infrastructure and housing, balancing development needs with the preservation of heritage and the quality of life for residents.

Read more about the Planning Committee meeting.

Pension Fund Performance and Governance Updates

The Pension Board met on Monday, July 13th, to review the performance of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Pension Fund and discuss upcoming legislative changes. The fund's value stood at £2,024 million as of March 31, 2026, having seen a decrease of 1.63% in the preceding quarter.

Key discussions included the transition of active equity into a passive fund managed by BlackRock and updates on the Pensions Schemes Act 2026. This Act introduces strengthened governance frameworks for Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS), requiring enhanced oversight and scrutiny. The board was presented with an updated Conflicts of Interest Policy, developed to meet new statutory requirements, and reviewed draft financial statements for 2025/26. The board also discussed Judicial Review and Direct Property Updates in a session where the press and public were excluded.

Read more about the Pension Board meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 14th, concerning an objection to a Temporary Event Notice at 95-99 Ladbroke Grove, London, W11 1PG, was postponed. The objection, raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise and Nuisance Team, cited concerns about public safety and potential overcrowding during Notting Hill Carnival.

The Licensing Sub-Committee also met on Wednesday, July 15th, to consider an application for an Adult Gaming Centre Premises Licence at 177-179 Earl's Court Road, London, SW5 9RE. This application faced significant opposition from residents and local representatives.

The Leadership Team met on Wednesday, July 15th, to discuss the council's financial performance, its future ICT strategy, and a new Culture Plan. They also reviewed the ongoing recovery from a significant cyber attack and treasury management activities. The team received an update on Housing Management Performance Reporting for 2025-26, discussed the Culture Plan 2026-30, and reviewed the recovery from the cyber attack and the adoption of a new ICT Strategy. The Annual Treasury Outturn Report 2025-26 and the Final Outturn (Quarter 4) Revenue and Capital Financial Monitoring Report 2025-26 were also presented. The Medium Term Financial Strategy 2027-28 to 2030-31 was considered, highlighting a projected budget gap.

The Appointments Panel met on Monday, July 13th, to interview candidates for the Executive Director of Organisational Strategy and the Executive Director of Finance & Assurance roles. These interviews were held in private session due to the sensitive nature of the information discussed.

The Shareholder Committee meeting scheduled for Wednesday, July 15th, was cancelled.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Council Faces Major Financial Challenges as Budget Gap Widens

The Kensington and Chelsea Council is grappling with a significant financial challenge, with a projected budget gap of £32.8 million for the 2027/28 financial year, escalating to a cumulative £127.2 million over the next four years. This stark reality was laid bare at the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting on July 8th, as councillors reviewed the Medium Term Financial Strategy (MTFS) 2027/28 to 2030/31.

The widening gap is attributed to a confluence of factors: funding reforms, increasing service pressures—particularly in social care and temporary accommodation—and persistent inflation. To address this, the council is developing a Transformation Programme, focusing on modernising practices and optimising its property estate. The potential removal of the Council Tax referendum limit in 2027/28 and 2028/29 could offer some relief, but the scale of the challenge remains immense.

The financial strain has direct implications for residents, potentially impacting the delivery of frontline services. The committee also reviewed the final financial outturn for 2025/26, which showed a £3.734 million overspend on the General Fund revenue budget, proposed to be funded from reserves. Pressures in Adult Social Care, Children's Services, and Housing were cited as contributing factors, partly exacerbated by the impact of the November 2025 cyber incident on income collection and service delivery.

Read more about the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Cyber Attack Recovery on Track, But Future ICT Strategy Crucial for Resilience

The council is making significant strides in recovering from the November 2025 cyber attack, with 94% of systems reportedly back online. However, the path forward hinges on a robust new Digital, Data and ICT Strategy 2026–2030, which was presented to the Overview & Scrutiny Committee on July 8th.

While recovery efforts are progressing, the attack has left a trail of service backlogs, particularly in revenue and benefits, planning, and complaints, with a target for full resolution by December 2026. The implications of a data breach are also being managed, with a notification programme for affected residents set to commence.

The proposed ICT Strategy aims to modernise the council's technology infrastructure, bolster cyber resilience, enhance data governance, and create more resident-centric digital services. This is a critical undertaking, as the cyber attack exposed vulnerabilities in the council's fragmented IT systems. The strategy acknowledges the need for greater data sovereignty and a move towards more centralised IT delivery with stronger governance.

The financial implications of this recovery and the future strategy are substantial. While direct recovery costs are still being quantified, the investment in future cyber security and system simplification is expected to be significant, though potentially leading to long-term cost savings through digital transformation. The council is also exploring options for outsourcing sensitive IT functions, drawing lessons from other boroughs.

Read more about the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Council Asset Strategy and VCS Leasing Policy Under Review: Balancing Efficiency with Community Needs

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee also examined the proposed Council Asset Strategy 2026–2030 and the accompanying Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Leasing Policy on July 8th. The Asset Strategy aims to manage the council's property estate more efficiently to meet funding challenges while protecting frontline services. It outlines a move towards a smaller, better-utilised estate, with Kensington Town Hall as a primary hub.

The VCS Leasing Policy seeks to provide a fair and transparent framework for VCS organisations occupying council properties. However, concerns were raised about the potential impact of asset disposals on housing provision and the need for clear criteria for prioritisation that go beyond purely financial considerations. Residents voiced worries about the potential loss of community spaces and the insecurity faced by VCS organisations operating on short leases.

The committee also discussed the importance of ensuring that any changes to the council's property portfolio do not negatively impact vulnerable communities. The strategy aims to consolidate services and optimise asset use, but the need for robust impact assessments and continued resident engagement was stressed. The council's commitment to partnering with residents, rather than simply consulting them, was highlighted as crucial for the success of these initiatives.

Read more about the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on July 9th to consider an application for a premises licence for Chill Since 93 at 61 King's Road. The application, which sought permission for alcohol sales and late-night refreshments, faced objections from local residents concerned about noise, crime, and disorder. The committee also considered an application for a basement kitchen at 27 Kensington High Street, which also drew concerns about traffic management and nuisance from delivery vehicles.

The Investment Committee met on July 9th to discuss the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Pension Fund. Key topics included updates on direct property investments, the investment strategy statement, quarterly performance reviews, and the implications of the Pension Schemes Act 2026. The committee also reviewed a draft Conflicts of Interest Policy.

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on July 7th to consider an objection to a Temporary Event Notice for Flat C, 6 St Michael's Gardens, W10 5SP, during Notting Hill Carnival. Objections were raised by the Metropolitan Police and the Noise and Nuisance Team regarding public safety and crime prevention.

The Administration Committee met on July 8th to review the annual report of the Independent Ethics Panel and discuss proposed changes to the Council's Constitution. These changes aim to streamline decision-making, clarify lease renewals, and adapt to new legislation.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meetings scheduled for July 7th and July 9th concerning Temporary Event Notices for Love TKO and 4 Play Sound System respectively, were adjourned to allow for the submission of outstanding documentation.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Late-Night Licensing Applications Spark Resident Concerns Over Noise and Safety

The Licensing Sub-Committee met on Thursday, July 2nd, to consider two separate applications for extended operating hours and alcohol sales, both of which drew significant opposition from local residents concerned about noise, disturbance, and public safety.

Ladbroke Hall Seeks Extended Hours Until 2 AM

An application to vary the premises licence for Ladbroke Hall at 79 Barlby Road, London, W10 6AZ, sought to extend its operating hours significantly. The proposal included extending alcohol sales, live music, and late-night refreshments until 1:30 AM from Sunday to Thursday, and until 2:00 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. Crucially, the application also aimed to remove a condition limiting the number of days with extended hours to 40 per year.

However, the application faced opposition from five local residents who raised serious concerns. They reported existing issues with noise from music and patrons, and feared that extended hours would lead to a significant detrimental impact on families, children, and elderly residents. Concerns were also voiced about increased vehicle congestion and potential rises in crime and disorder, with residents citing instances of antisocial behaviour and suspected drug use. The Metropolitan Police also noted an ongoing enforcement case for breaches of planning conditions related to late-night restaurant use.

The committee had the power to grant, modify, or reject the application, with the ultimate aim of promoting the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Daniel's Sushi Bar 2 Ltd Aims for 4 AM Alcohol Sales

In a separate but related matter, the Licensing Sub-Committee also considered an application to vary the premises licence for Daniel's Sushi Bar 2 Ltd at 65 Lower Sloane Street, London, SW1W 8DH. The applicant sought to extend alcohol sales and late-night refreshment hours on Fridays and Saturdays until 4:00 AM the following day, and to extend overall opening hours to 4:30 AM.

A key aspect of this application involved amending a condition that currently restricts alcohol sales for consumption on the premises to being ancillary to a table meal and served to seated customers after 8:00 PM. The proposed amendment would allow alcohol sales without a table meal on Fridays and Saturdays between 11:00 PM and 4:00 AM, provided customers remain seated and are served by waitstaff.

The Metropolitan Police proposed an amendment to staff training conditions to include conflict management. However, the Environmental Health Noise and Nuisance Team raised significant concerns. They argued that operating as a drinks-only establishment with background music until 4:00 AM could be detrimental to nearby residents, particularly given the premises' location in a residential area. They suggested a 1:00 AM terminal hour might be more appropriate or a 12-month trial period. Specific conditions were recommended, including a dispersal plan and sound-limiting devices.

Representations from Other parties also highlighted concerns about the cumulative impact of late-night alcohol-related premises in the area and questioned the adequacy of proposed conditions to mitigate noise and disturbance.

The committee's decision on this application will directly impact the late-night economy and the quality of life for residents in the vicinity.

Read more about the Licensing Sub-Committee meeting.

Council Constitution Review: Laying the Groundwork for Governance and Accountability

The Administration Committee met on Wednesday, July 8th, to discuss proposed changes to the Council's Constitution, a foundational document that governs how the council operates and ensures transparency and accountability to residents.

Key Constitutional Amendments Proposed

Several amendments were put forward to ensure the Council's Constitution remains current and efficient. These include:

• Streamlining Procurement: Proposals aim to simplify decision-making for procurement, allowing contract award decisions to be made by delegated authority when the Procurement Strategy has already been approved as an Executive Decision. This aims to speed up processes without compromising oversight.
• Clarifying Lease Renewals: Decisions regarding statutory lease extensions and renewals for properties within the scope of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1954 will be delegated to the Executive Director of Housing and Social Investment. This aims to streamline processes for these often complex agreements.
• Annual Rental Income Thresholds: The method for determining decision-making processes for property leases will be based on annual rental income. This aims to ensure that decisions are proportionate to the financial value involved.
• Excluding Section 278 Payments: Payments made under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 will be excluded from the definition of Key and Executive Decisions. These payments are typically a condition of planning permission, and the council has limited discretion once permission is granted.
• Renters' Rights Act 2025: The Council will extend delegated authority to the Director of Housing Needs to enforce provisions of the Renters' Rights Act 2025 within the private rented sector, aiming to improve standards for tenants.
• Pension Schemes Act 2026: Amendments to the Investment Committee's terms of reference are proposed to comply with new legislation regarding Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) pooling and governance.
• Scrutiny of Properties: To enhance scrutiny of council properties, the Overview & Scrutiny Committee will lead on general fund properties, while the Housing and Communities Select Committee will focus on Housing Revenue Account properties and the New Homes Programme.

These changes are crucial for ensuring the council operates effectively and transparently, particularly in managing its assets and responding to new legislation.

Read more about the Administration Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Overview & Scrutiny Committee is scheduled to meet on Wednesday, July 8th. The committee will review the council's financial health, including the final financial outturn for 2025/26 and the medium-term financial strategy for 2027/28 to 2030/31. They will also receive updates on the council's commitments following the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, recovery from a cyber attack, and consider the proposed Council Asset Strategy and a new policy for leasing properties to voluntary and community sector organisations.

Read more about the Overview & Scrutiny Committee meeting.

The Investment Committee is set to meet on Thursday, July 9th. The agenda includes an update on the Fund's investment strategy, a quarterly performance review, and discussions on draft financial statements and policies, including the Pension Schemes Act 2026 update and a revised Conflicts of Interest Policy.

Read more about the Investment Committee meeting.

The Planning Committee will meet on Monday, July 13th, to consider proposals for the expansion of the Royal Marsden Hospital and the redevelopment of sites on Telford Road and Ladbroke Grove.

Read more about the Planning Committee meeting.

This week in Kensington and Chelsea:

Council Pledges to Tackle Crime and Disorder with New Community Safety Plan

The Full Council met on Wednesday, June 24th, to discuss and potentially adopt the Community Safety Plan 2026. This crucial document outlines how various agencies will collaborate to reduce crime and disorder across the borough, with a particular focus on antisocial behaviour, hate crime, youth violence, and violence against women and girls.

The plan, developed by the multi-agency Safer Kensington and Chelsea Partnership, prioritises five key strategic areas. Drug misuse is identified as a cross-cutting theme impacting all these priorities. The council has emphasised that the plan is the result of extensive consultation with residents and stakeholders, building on the successes of previous initiatives, such as integrated warden and waste enforcement services and the expansion of CCTV.

The theory of change underpinning the plan focuses on supporting victims, holding offenders accountable, engaging the community, and ensuring services are effective, trusted, and accessible. This approach aims to create a safer environment for everyone in Kensington and Chelsea, with particular attention paid to protecting vulnerable groups who are often disproportionately affected by crime and disorder.

The meeting also included several motions for debate, including one titled Making Kensington and Chelsea safer, which called for increased police presence and the reopening of police front counters, alongside the introduction of a nighttime enforcement team and new CCTV cameras, as promised in the local Conservative manifesto.

Read more about the Full Council meeting.

Children's Mental Health Services Under Scrutiny Amidst Rising Needs

The Family Services Select Committee met on Thursday, June 25th, to review the progress of the refreshed Emotional Wellbeing and Mental Health (EWMH) Plan for children and young people. This plan, a joint initiative with Westminster City Council and the NHS, aims to improve access to and the quality of mental health support for young residents.

The committee heard that while national research suggests a stabilisation of mental health needs post-pandemic, local data indicates an increase, with rates now above the national average. This is particularly concerning for children and young people in vulnerable situations, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those at risk of hospital admission, and those experiencing school exclusion. The plan prioritises improving awareness of mental health services, increasing access through school-based teams and youth clubs, and providing tailored support for those most at risk.

The report highlighted the significant impact of social media and online safety on young people's mental health, with workshops on these topics proving highly popular. The committee was also tasked with reviewing the committee's work programme for the upcoming year, identifying key areas for scrutiny within children's services, education, and youth services. This forward-looking approach is essential to ensure that services are responsive to the evolving needs of children and young people in the borough.

Read more about the Family Services Select Committee meeting.

Planning Applications Committee Approves Extensions and Refurbishments, Defers Generator Installation

The Planning Applications Committee met on Tuesday, June 23rd, to consider a range of development proposals across the borough. The committee approved several applications for window replacements, extensions, and alterations to residential properties, demonstrating a commitment to maintaining and improving the borough's housing stock.

A notable decision involved the deferral of an application for an emergency generator at a medical facility. Councillors raised significant concerns about the generator's visual impact and potential noise pollution, particularly its proximity to residential properties. While acknowledging the critical need for backup power in a medical setting, the committee requested further information on its exact siting, screening options, and overall impact. This deferral highlights the council's commitment to balancing essential infrastructure needs with the preservation of local amenity and the quality of life for residents.

The committee also granted listed building consent for the repair of historic steps at the Notting Hill Gate Library, ensuring the preservation of a significant local heritage asset. Numerous other applications for extensions and alterations were approved, including those at properties on Sydney Street, Lansdowne Crescent, and Oxford Gardens, with conditions attached to mitigate potential impacts on neighbours and the surrounding environment.

Read more about the Planning Applications Committee meeting.

Other Matters

The Full Council meeting on Wednesday, June 24th, also included discussions on proposed changes to the Council's Constitution, which are fundamental to how the council operates and ensures transparency and accountability. These changes included appointing Deputy Electoral Registration Officers for resilience, formally designating the Director of Law and Governance as the Monitoring Officer, and addressing statutory changes stemming from the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025 and the Pension Schemes Act 2026. The meeting also debated several motions, including one to Adopt The Principle of Do No Harm across all council activities.

The Appointments Panel met on Tuesday, June 23rd, to interview candidates for the Director of Social Investment and Property role. This senior appointment is crucial for the effective management of the council's property portfolio and ensuring its assets are used responsibly and for community benefit.

The Environment Select Committee met on Monday, June 22nd, to review the draft Culture Plan for 2026-2029, which focuses on partnership working, accessibility, and support for local artists. They also discussed the work of the Council's Noise and Nuisance Team, highlighting the challenges faced by the team, including the impact of a recent cyber-attack.