Kensington & Chelsea (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A block in Kensington & Chelsea may be razed for 24 luxury flats. Due to “exceptional circumstances,” the project will proceed with no affordable housing units.
Elden House in South Kensington will be replaced by a six-story “high quality, sustainable” structure with “flagship retail space” at ground level, according to Tribeca Holdings Limited.
Nevertheless, none of the 24 residential apartments that are being suggested will be reasonably priced.
The experts that Tribeca employed stated in their submission to the planning committee of Kensington and Chelsea Council that the benchmark land value and the cost of the newbuild design rendered the supply of affordable homes on or off-site unfeasible.
Additionally, they stated that Tribeca, a major landowner in the region, was willing to work with the Council to reach a “reasonable payment” in order to support the borough’s affordable housing needs.
However, the local government stated in a council report that no payment in lieu was obtained due to “exceptional circumstances.”
Planning officers said:
“In conclusion and taking into account the public benefits of the development proposals as a whole, alongside statutory duties, national policies and guidance, the proposed development is acceptable, and it would make a notable contribution to the delivery of homes and enhanced commercial floorspace in the Borough.”
There are three spacious three-bed apartments, seven two-bed apartments, and fourteen single-bed apartments in Tribeca’s development.
Additionally, it will have a “green” roof with vegetation and 745 square meters of commercial space on the ground floor. Constructed in the 1960s, Elden House offers 20 residential apartments along with a high-end clothing designer.
Permission was obtained in 2023 to renovate and expand the structure, adding a story to the top and two stories to the north side.
The renovation included jutting balconies and new windows throughout. At its July 1 planning committee meeting, Kensington and Chelsea Council was pushed to approve the application.
What impact will the demolition have on local residents and businesses?
Residents and businesses in the area may be subject to noise pollution, dust, and vibrations during demolition and the ensuing construction, which may have an impact on daily operations and quality of life. Road closures and other traffic delays could make commuting more difficult as well as make it harder to access nearby businesses and services.
Positively, building and demolition projects can generate local employment possibilities for suppliers, contractors, and skilled workers, which could strengthen the local economy while the project is underway.
The neighborhood’s identity and social fabric may change if the current building is demolished and replaced with opulent apartments. Long-term residents may be impacted by gentrification and a decrease in neighborhood diversity if affordable housing is lost.