Planning Permission in Kensington & Chelsea

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) is one of the most prestigious and architecturally sensitive areas in the UK. With its grand Victorian terraces, elegant garden squares, and some of the most historically significant streets in London, the borough enforces exceptionally high planning standards. Homeowners benefit from a desirable location, but this comes with strict controls on alterations, extensions, and redevelopment. Whether you’re planning a rear extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, or basement, applications must be carefully prepared to meet RBKC’s rigorous expectations.

Understanding Kensington & Chelsea’s Planning Environment

RBKC is known for its extensive conservation areas, heritage protections, and Article 4 Directions. Many neighbourhoods—including Chelsea, South Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, and Earl’s Court—are heavily protected, meaning even small changes to windows, doors, or façades may require planning permission. The council places strong emphasis on preserving architectural character, maintaining uniformity, and ensuring that any development enhances the borough’s historic environment.
Basement development is particularly sensitive. RBKC has some of the strictest basement policies in the UK, requiring detailed structural assessments, construction impact reports, and neighbour protection measures. Multi level basements are heavily restricted, and proposals must demonstrate minimal disruption to surrounding properties.
Internal alterations may also require consent if the property is listed. Many homes in the borough are Grade II or Grade II*, meaning original features—such as staircases, cornices, fireplaces, and room layouts—must be preserved or sensitively adapted.

What SMARTePLANS Provides

SMARTePLANS specialises in delivering high quality planning applications tailored to the unique demands of heritage rich boroughs like Kensington & Chelsea. Our service includes:
• Detailed Planning Drawings
We produce precise, policy aligned drawings for extensions, loft conversions, internal reconfigurations, façade changes, and basements. Our designs respect RBKC’s architectural character while maximising your space.
• 3D Laser Surveys & Modelling
Accurate measurement is essential in conservation areas. Our 3D surveys capture every detail, enabling us to produce highly accurate plans and visualisations.
• Heritage Sensitive Design
We understand RBKC’s conservation priorities and create proposals that preserve or enhance the borough’s historic fabric. Our team works with the grain of local character rather than against it.
• Planning Agent Representation
We manage the entire application process, acting as your agent from initial concept to final decision. This includes liaising with planning officers, responding to queries, and ensuring your application is complete and robust.
• Supporting Documentation
Where required, we prepare:
• Design & Access Statements
• Heritage Statements
• Basement Impact Assessments (via specialist partners)
• Construction Method Statements
• Daylight/Sunlight reports
Our comprehensive approach ensures your application meets RBKC’s high standards.
Key Local Planning Considerations in Kensington & Chelsea
1. Conservation Areas
RBKC contains over 30 conservation areas. Proposals must demonstrate how they preserve or enhance local character. This affects:
• Rooflines
• Windows and doors
• Materials
• Extensions
• Boundary treatments
2. Listed Buildings
Many properties are listed, requiring careful justification for any internal or external changes. Heritage statements are often essential.
3. Basement Development
RBKC’s basement policy is among the strictest in the UK. Proposals must consider:
• Structural integrity
• Flood risk
• Construction impact
• Noise and vibration
• Neighbour amenity
4. Façade and Streetscape Protection
Street facing elevations are highly protected. Even minor changes may require permission.
5. Neighbour Amenity
Daylight, sunlight, privacy, and sense of enclosure are major considerations in this dense urban borough.

Why Choose SMARTePLANS for RBKC Applications

SMARTePLANS has extensive experience working within Kensington & Chelsea’s demanding planning framework. Our 99% approval rate reflects our commitment to policy led design, meticulous preparation, and proactive communication with planning officers.

Homeowners choose us because:

• We understand RBKC’s unique constraints
• We produce high quality, heritage sensitive designs
• We manage the entire process from survey to submission
• We deliver fast turnaround times
• We maximise approval chances through robust, compliant proposals
Whether you’re planning an extension, loft conversion, internal reconfiguration, or basement, we ensure your application is positioned for success.

Start Your Kensington & Chelsea Planning Application Today

SMARTePLANS offers a free, no obligation quote and expert guidance tailored to your property. Our team handles everything—from surveys to submission—so you can move forward with confidence.