The Kensington and Chelsea Planning Applications Committee met to discuss a range of planning and conservation issues, including retrofitting council housing, managing noise from a school playground, and various building applications. The committee approved upgrades to the Lancaster West estate, but deferred a decision on noise management at Thomas's school for further consultation.

Lancaster West Estate Retrofit

The committee approved a strategic team application for a retrofit scheme on the Lancaster West estate¹. The proposal involves three residential buildings: Hurstway Walk, Teston Walk and Baraddon Walk. The council, as the applicant, seeks to install new wall insulation using a brick slip system with render, refurbish balconies and terraces, install new windows, and improve waste management. Councillor James Husband, Chair of the Committee, confirmed that this application is one of a series involving upgrades to council-owned estate property.

Railings at St. Mary Abbots Church

The committee approved applications for both planning permission and listed building consent for railings around part of St. Mary Abbots Church, North Park. Officers proposed an edit to condition six, allowing the removal of railings, providing flexibility while still protecting trees.

Thomas's School Noise Management Plan

The committee discussed and ultimately deferred a decision on the discharge of noise conditions for Thomas's school, Atlantic House, to allow for revisions to the noise management plan.

Fiona Ray, an officer, explained that the application sought to address the noise management plan, particularly regarding playground use. The committee had previously requested that this matter be brought back for determination.

Objectors, including Michael Barr, Richard, and Peter Rogers (an acoustic expert), raised concerns about the impact of playground noise on the tranquil residential area. Michael Barr suggested deferring the decision to improve the noise management plan, particularly regarding monitoring and review. Richard, a resident of Duro Place, spoke about the disruption caused by construction and the anticipated noise from the playground, which he likened to a live music venue. Peter Rogers recommended setting an objective noise target of plus three decibels above existing ambient levels. Councillor Mack over, a Queensgate Ward Councillor, supported the call for noise monitoring to be included in the management plan.

Ben Thomas, principal of Thomas' London Day Schools, assured the committee of the school's commitment to working with the local community. He outlined measures in the noise management plan, such as limiting playground use, installing an acoustic fence, and establishing a complaints procedure. David True, an acoustic expert, explained the challenges of monitoring children's noise and suggested that complaints could provide useful contextual information.

During the discussion, councillors raised questions about monitoring, enforcement, and specific measures to reduce noise. Councillor Gerard Hargreaves asked about an offer from St. Thomas to include monitoring in the plan. Councillor Kasim Ali asked about involving residents in the monitoring process. Councillor Sonia Zvedeniuk questioned the lack of objective enforcement measures.

Ultimately, the committee voted to defer the discharge of the condition, instructing officers to liaise with the applicant to amend the noise management plan to include noise monitoring for the first year of operation.

Atlantic House - Discharge of Conditions

The committee then approved a series of applications to discharge conditions relating to the Atlantic House development:

• Delivery and Servicing Management Plan: Approved, following a helpful letter from Victoria Rose Residence Association.
• Travel Plan: Approved.
• Traffic Management Plan: Approved.
• Cycle Parking Details: Approved, including details of scooter spaces.
• Car Park Management Plan: Approved.

Fawcett Street Mansard Roof Extension

The committee approved a planning application for a mansard roof extension at 6 Fawcett Street. Despite objections from a neighbour, who argued that the extension was contrary to policy CD12 and would disrupt the uniformity of the terrace, the committee voted to approve the application. A neighbour, Mr. Power, supported the plan, citing its alignment with other approved mansard conversions in the area.

Haunton Street Rear Extension

The committee refused an application for a rear extension at 70 Haunton Street. An objector, Mark Wheelhouse, expressed concerns about the height of the proposed extension and its impact on sunlight to his garden. The agent, Mr. Tran, argued that the extension was modest and would have minimal impact. The committee ultimately sided with the objector, citing the small size of the gardens and the potential for a harmful loss of light and increased sense of enclosure. They also raised concerns about the modern design and expansive glazing, which they felt were out of keeping with the conservation area.

Orpen House Extension

The committee approved two applications relating to Orpen House, 10 Trebovir Road. The first application (PP/24/06233) was for the extension of the existing block to create an additional two stories, providing four additional units. The second application (PP/24/06232) related to the renovation of the vacant residential basement into two apartments. The committee added an informative about swift boxes to the first application.

Gazelle Lodge Extensions and Alterations

The committee approved an application for extensions and alterations at the back of Gazelle Lodge, Chepstow Villas. Officers stated that the proposal now fully complied with the local plan following significant revisions since a recent refusal.

Portobello Road Roof Light Replacement

The committee approved an application to replace a roof light at 171 Portobello Road. The works had already commenced, and the applicant was proposing internal blinds to prevent light spillage. The committee added a condition relating to the roof light being fixed shut.

St Catherine's Mews Change of Use

The committee approved an application for a change of use at 10 St Catherine's Mews, converting a three-bedroom dwelling to office and residential use above. While some councillors noted the unusual nature of the application, the committee ultimately approved the change of use, with four votes in favour and one against.

Finborough Road Refurbishment Works

The committee approved two applications for refurbishment works on Finborough Road:

• 65 Finborough Road: Approved like-for-like replacement of existing windows with double-glazed aluminium units.
• 140 Finborough Road: Approved like-for-like replacement of existing aluminium frame windows, with an additional condition for windows to be painted white.

Fulham Road Window Replacement

The committee approved an application for the like-for-like replacement of existing windows at 437-449 Fulham Road. The proposal also included replacement of flat roof sections and redecoration of communal areas.