Stringent fire safety measures introduced in Local Plan

As reported by The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, the Council has adopted a new Local Plan after four rounds of public consultation.

Approved on 24 July 2024, the Plan will guide development in Kensington and Chelsea for the next 20 years.

It incorporates community input and aims to balance housing needs with heritage and design considerations.

One of the key policies in the Plan includes the introduction of stringent fire safety measures.

This is part of the Council’s ongoing response to the Grenfell tragedy in North Kensington in 2017.

The Plan defines “tall” buildings for the first time and integrates green measures to ensure sustainability.

More than 1,500 people contributed to the consultation process between 2021 and 2023.

The Leader of Kensington and Chelsea Council, Cllr Elizabeth Campbell, said: “The Local Plan provides a firm foundation for the future of our shared places and makes sure that they work for all our communities.

“Our approach to it has evolved significantly over the last five years and since the bereaved and survivors from Grenfell challenged us to become the best Council for our communities.”

Housing targets and affordability

The Local Plan addresses London’s housing shortage and outlines a strategy for housebuilding in Kensington and Chelsea.

The borough aims to exceed its 10-year housing target of 4,480 homes set by the London Plan.

The first five years will target the delivery of 1,250 homes, increasing to 2,230 in the following five years, and reaching 4,480 homes by the end of 20 years.

Developments are required to include at least 35% affordable housing on private land and 50% on public land.

Major opportunity areas such as Kensal Canalside and Earl’s Court are expected to contribute significantly to these targets.

Environmental considerations in development

The Plan mandates developers to report on whole life-cycle carbon emissions and demonstrate measures to reduce these emissions.

Energy-saving designs and renewable energy options are encouraged to ensure that new buildings operate at net zero carbon levels.

Circular economy statements will be required for major developments, outlining how materials will be reused, recycled, and refurbished to minimize waste.

Retention and refurbishment are prioritized over demolition and rebuilding to preserve resources and reduce environmental impact.

Maintaining the borough’s unique character

The Plan defines “tall” buildings in Kensington and Chelsea as those measuring 21 to 30 metres and identifies suitable areas for such developments.

This ensures that new constructions align with the existing urban landscape and support the opportunity areas in Kensal Canalside and Earl’s Court.

To maintain the vibrancy of the borough’s town centres, the Plan supports businesses with shop fronts that provide direct services to the public and resists the presence of betting shops, payday loan stores, pawn brokers, and amusement arcades.

It also encourages proposals that contribute to the borough’s café culture, in line with the council’s al fresco dining policy.