West London's 274-Home Development Gets Final Approval, Construction to Begin This Year
A significant 274-home development that crosses two West London boroughs is now set to proceed after receiving the final green light from the second council involved. The Lots Road South proposal, primarily located in Kensington and Chelsea but also including land in neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham, has been unanimously approved by Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Control Committee.
This follows Kensington and Chelsea Council's earlier approval in December, with developers aiming to start construction this year. The project, developed by Mount Anvil in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea Council, will deliver 118 affordable homes in the area.
Affordable Housing Details and Community Benefits
Of the 118 affordable homes, 65 will be social rent 'extra care homes' designed to help residents live independently with on-site support, while the remaining 53 will be social rent 'general needs' properties. An officer presentation revealed that 43 of these affordable homes are specifically allocated for Hammersmith and Fulham residents, comprising:
- Seven one-bedroom flats
- Seven two-bedroom flats for three people
- 13 two-bedroom flats for four people
- 16 three-bedroom flats
The development will replace existing structures on the Chelsea Creek site, currently home to various businesses including a self-storage facility, with three new buildings ranging from five to 13 storeys tall.
Community Infrastructure and Design Features
The application outlines comprehensive plans for community enhancement, including:
- A green community square for public use
- A promenade along Chelsea Creek with improved access
- New public access routes through the site
- Widened footpaths on Lots Road
- Active ground-floor frontages to promote street life
- A new community centre, café, and community workspace
- Landscaped gardens and affordable commercial space
Two-thirds of the site falls within Kensington and Chelsea boundaries, with the remaining portion in Hammersmith and Fulham. Kensington and Chelsea Council owns the entirety of the land.
Council Support and Community Response
During consultation, the application received 53 letters of support, with 18 coming from Hammersmith and Fulham residents. This outweighed concerns from six objectors, four of whom were from Hammersmith and Fulham, who raised issues about building heights and density.
Councillors praised the development during the committee meeting. Cllr Patrick Walsh welcomed the inclusion of family-sized units, noting that many developments typically offer only one or two-bedroom properties. Cllr Alex Karmel described the planning process as "almost an exemplar of how it should be done," highlighting the collaborative work with community and planning teams from both boroughs.
Committee Chair Cllr Nikos Souslous echoed this sentiment, calling the work "quite impressive." Jon Roshier, Director at Rolfe Judd Planning representing Mount Anvil, acknowledged the "complexity" of the cross-borough scheme but emphasized the goal of delivering a "comprehensive, well-designed development" with clear community benefits.
Broader Vision for the Area
Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Property at Kensington and Chelsea Council, described this as "a key moment for the scheme" and part of broader plans to transform the riverside area while respecting Chelsea's character. The development aligns with wider initiatives including a new riverside space at Cremorne Wharf, improvements to the Thames Path, and a replacement jetty to increase river access.
Marcus Bate, Partnerships, Planning, Communities and Sustainability Director at Mount Anvil, expressed enthusiasm about supporting Hammersmith and Fulham's industrial strategy through flexible commercial space that enables local businesses to thrive. He emphasized the development's role in addressing London's housing needs while providing independence and enhanced quality of life for residents.
The project represents a significant step in London's ongoing efforts to deliver much-needed housing, with construction expected to commence this year following the final approval.
