Planning permission in Kensington – What you need to know
Planning Permission for Kensington Properties
As one of London’s most exclusive and sought-after districts, Kensington offers beautiful properties, excellent transport links and close proximity to some of Britain’s best-loved museums, parks and entertainment venues. Yet despite this it has a peaceful feel, with quiet streets and pockets of greenery that create a charming and pleasant atmosphere.
Once you’ve secured the ideal property in Kensington, you can begin to turn it into your dream home with the help of experienced London architects. But what are the rules around planning permission in Kensington, and when might you need to apply? Here, we outline all you need to know.
Planning permission in Kensington
If you live in a property that is not listed or located in a Conservation Area, you will be able to make smaller changes without planning permission. If you’d like to remodel the interior to suit your needs better, for example, this work would fall under Permitted Development, which is set nationally, not by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. However, if you are looking to do any of the following, you will need to apply for planning permission:
- Build something new
- Make a major change to your property, such as building an extension
- Change the use of your building or land
- Merge houses or flats in a way that reduces the overall number of homes
- Materially alter the appearance of a building that contains flats, including installing double glazing where single glazed windows currently exist
Planning permission and regulations in Kensington may differ from other areas of the city, as they are designed to preserve the character and spirit of the area. If you’re at all unsure whether you will need to apply for planning permission, contact your architect or your local authority.
Planning application process
When you have completed your planning application, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council will register and acknowledge your submission and assign a planning officer to your case. You’ll then receive a site visit before a recommendation is made. Occasionally, an officer will request revisions to a proposed plan in order to make it acceptable. If this happens, your architect will be given time to provide amended drawings. Depending on the type and scale of the application, your plans may be subject to public consultation. This enables others to comment if they feel the plans will affect them.
Choosing an architect in Kensington
For the best possible chance of having your plans approved, it’s vital to work with experienced architects for luxury homes in London. A local architect that understands the Kensington area and how to preserve its character and beauty is best placed to produce designs that will satisfy all requirements.
At The Architects of London, we have assisted many property owners across the capital with creating their dream homes, providing drawings that meet with both our clients’ needs and the approval of local authorities. Our Kensington, Chiswick, Romford and Hampstead architects will ensure your vision becomes a reality, so get in touch with us today.
