Major Redevelopment Proposed for Chelsea Creek Site
A significant new housing development comprising 274 homes across three buildings has been proposed for a cross-borough site adjacent to Chelsea Creek. Developer Mount Anvil, in partnership with Kensington and Chelsea Council, submitted the ambitious plans which include community spaces and public realm improvements.
The Lots Road South scheme, located next to the Chelsea Creek waterway that flows into the Thames, represents one of the area's most substantial development proposals in recent years. However, the project has already attracted more than 50 objections, primarily concerning the height of the proposed buildings.
Development Details and Housing Mix
The land, owned by Kensington and Chelsea Council and currently occupied by businesses including a self-storage facility, would see existing structures demolished to make way for three buildings ranging from five to thirteen storeys tall.
The housing allocation includes:118 affordable homes alongside 156 market-rate properties. Within the affordable segment, 65 will be extra care properties while 53 will be general needs homes all available at social rent levels.
Marcus Bate, Partnerships, Planning, Communities and Sustainability Director at Mount Anvil, emphasised that the development aims to create "a new neighbourhood that residents of all ages will be proud to call home."
Community Facilities and Public Opposition
Beyond residential units, the proposal includes substantial community infrastructure: a new community centre, café, community workspace, public square and additional planting. The commercial and community centre spaces would be leased back to Kensington and Chelsea Council.
Despite extensive community engagement that involved meetings with over 520 community members across 49 engagements since 2023, the Chelsea Society has urged the council to reject the application. Sir Paul Lever, Chairman of its Planning Committee, identified three key concerns: excessive development intensity, excessive building heights, and inadequate employment space provision in Chelsea's only Employment Zone.
One local resident objected: "Who wants to be enclosed by a building and brick wall constructed in front of their bedroom, kitchen, and dining room? Unfortunately, this is precisely the situation my wife and I will be in if this application is approved."
Council Perspective and Next Steps
Cllr Emma Will, Lead Member for Property at Kensington and Chelsea Council, stated: "We are determined to make the most of opportunities to build high quality, affordable new homes for our residents across the borough. Lots Road South provides a great opportunity for us to deliver on this commitment."
She highlighted that the development includes the borough's first purpose-built extra care scheme and much-needed community infrastructure. The planning application has been filed with both Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham councils, as the site straddles both borough boundaries.
The consultation period has now closed, with council officers reviewing all comments before preparing a report for the Planning Committee, which will make the final decision at a future date.
