Planning Permission in Kensington and Chelsea
London Borough in London · Last updated April 2026
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is London's smallest borough by area but one of its most architecturally significant. Spanning Chelsea, South Kensington, Notting Hill, Holland Park, and North Kensington, the borough contains over 1,300 listed buildings and 38 conservation areas covering approximately 70% of its land area. This extraordinary heritage concentration makes planning permission in RBKC among the most tightly controlled in England. Even seemingly minor external alterations — changing a window, painting stucco, or modifying a boundary wall — typically require planning permission due to extensive Article 4 directions.
Planning is governed by the newly adopted Local Plan 2024 (July 2024), which defines tall building thresholds for the first time and incorporates stringent fire safety measures following the Grenfell Tower tragedy (June 2017). The borough was the first in England to implement strict basement controls: a borough-wide Article 4 direction (2016) means all basement development requires planning permission, double basements are banned, and excavation is limited to 50% of garden area. The Basements SPD (2016) and Code of Construction Practice govern all subterranean works.
Despite the stringent controls, RBKC has a high approval rate of 93% — well above the national average. This reflects applicants generally working with skilled architects who understand the borough's exacting design standards. However, pre-application advice (from £559) is strongly recommended given the complexity of heritage constraints. A fast-track service (£824) offers householder determination within 2 working days after the consultation period.
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What can I build in Kensington and Chelsea?
| Project type | Likely permitted development | May need planning permission | Likely needs planning permission |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rear extension (single storey) | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones | Properties near boundaries | Conservation areas (38), Article 4 zones (6), listed buildings |
| Rear extension (two storey) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Check distance to boundary ≥7m | Conservation areas (38), Article 4 zones (6), listed buildings |
| Side extension | Detached houses outside protected zones | Semi-detached properties (half-width rule) | Conservation areas (38), Article 4 zones (6), listed buildings |
| Loft conversion (dormer) | Only outside conservation and Article 4 areas | Properties on prominent corners or in Article 4 areas (Basement development (borough-wide), Class E to residential (selected areas)) | Conservation areas (e.g. Edwards Square/Scarsdale & Abingdon, Oxford Gardens, Norland), listed buildings, flats |
| Loft conversion (Velux/rooflight) | Most of Kensington and Chelsea outside conservation areas | Front-facing rooflights in conservation areas | Listed buildings, Article 4 areas |
| Outbuilding / garden office | Only outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, if within size/height limits | Large outbuildings covering >50% of garden | Conservation areas (side or front), listed buildings |
| Porch | Most properties if within 3m² and 3m height | Properties in Article 4 areas or near highway boundary | Conservation areas with restrictions, listed buildings |
| Solar panels | Most properties (roof-mounted) | Panels protruding beyond roofline | Listed buildings, conservation areas (if visible from road) |
| Driveway / hard standing | If using permeable surfacing | Non-permeable surfacing over 5m² | Conservation areas with specific restrictions |
| Garage conversion | Most of Kensington and Chelsea (internal works) | If changing external appearance significantly | Listed buildings |
This is general guidance based on Kensington and Chelsea's planning constraints. Your specific property may differ — use our free PD checker to get a result tailored to your address.
Permitted development in Kensington and Chelsea
Permitted development rights in RBKC are among the most restricted in England. Approximately 70% of the borough falls within conservation areas, most of which have Article 4 directions covering 150+ individual streets. These directions remove PD rights for front elevation alterations including windows, doors, roof coverings, boundary treatments, and external painting (particularly the stucco facades that define much of the borough's character). The borough-wide basement Article 4 (April 2016) means all basement development requires planning permission — there is no PD route for basements in RBKC. The Norland Neighbourhood Plan imposes additional Article 4 restrictions covering original features, garden buildings, hardstandings, and painting colours. Standard householder PD rights for rear extensions may technically apply outside conservation areas and Article 4 zones, but given the 70% conservation area coverage, most properties will need planning permission for most external work.
What Kensington and Chelsea expects from your project
RBKC's design expectations are set by the Local Plan 2024 and a comprehensive suite of SPDs. The Greening SPD (2021) includes a householder guide. The Trees and Development SPD (2023) governs tree protection. The borough contains some of England's finest listed buildings: 17 Grade I structures including Kensington Palace, the Natural History Museum, the V&A Museum, the Royal Hospital Chelsea, Holland House, the Tower House, and Cosmic House. The Basements SPD (2016) sets strict standards for subterranean development following years of disruptive 'iceberg home' construction. The Code of Construction Practice (revised 2019) requires Construction Traffic Management Plans for all basement works. Post-Grenfell, all Building Control officers must be professionally accredited, and a 'four eyes' principle ensures all completions are reviewed by two qualified professionals.
Local design guidance
- Basement Development SPD
- Conservation Area Appraisals
Local Plan: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Local Plan
The Local Plan was adopted in July 2019. It replaced the previous Core Strategy (2010) and Development Management Policies (2012). The borough is one of the most densely populated and expensive in England. The London Plan (2021) also applies as part of the statutory development plan.
Emerging / replacement plan
RBKC is preparing a new Local Plan in response to the new NPPF and updated London Plan policies. A Regulation 18 consultation ran in 2023-2024.
38 conservation areas
Kensington and Chelsea has a high number of conservation areas. Check whether your property falls within one before starting any work — conservation area status significantly restricts what you can do without planning permission.
93% approval rate
Kensington and Chelsea approves 93% of planning applications, above the national average of 86.9%. Well-designed residential applications in this area tend to have a good chance of success.
Conservation areas in Kensington and Chelsea
38 designated conservation areas
RBKC's 38 conservation areas represent one of the highest concentrations in London, covering approximately 70% of the borough. They include some of London's most architecturally distinguished areas: the Ladbroke and Pembridge crescents of Notting Hill, the Holland Park villas, the Kensington Palace gardens environs, the grand stuccoed terraces of Queen's Gate and Cornwall, the riverside townhouses of Cheyne and Chelsea, and the garden squares of The Boltons and Edwards Square/Scarsdale. The newest designation is Chelsea Estates (2019). The Brompton and Hans Town conservation areas surround London's world-class museum quarter. Each conservation area has specific Article 4 directions and design expectations. Front elevation changes, roof alterations, boundary modifications, and stucco painting all typically require planning permission within these areas.
Article 4 directions in Kensington and Chelsea
6 Article 4 direction areas
Listed buildings in Kensington and Chelsea
There are 1,343 listed buildings in Kensington and Chelsea. If your property is listed, permitted development rights are significantly restricted. Most external and many internal alterations will require listed building consent, which is separate from planning permission. Always check with Kensington and Chelsea's conservation team before starting any work on a listed property.
Planning application statistics
Year ending September 2025 | Source: MHCLG planning application statistics
Kensington and Chelsea received 2,824 planning applications and decided 2,484 in the year ending September 2025. The approval rate of 93% is above the national average of 86.9%. Major applications are expected to be decided within 13 weeks, while householder and other non-major applications have an 8-week target. The “in time” figures include decisions made within agreed extensions of time.
RBKC processes approximately 2,824 planning applications per year, one of the highest volumes in London, with an approval rate of 93% (year ending September 2025). The council determines 95.9% of householder applications within the 8-week target and achieves 100% on-time for major applications. The delegation rate of 90.3% is lower than most boroughs, reflecting more committee-level scrutiny. However, the borough's Housing Delivery Test score of 63% means the presumption in favour of sustainable development (tilted balance) applies — the most severe HDT consequence. Major regeneration is focused at Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area (3,500+ homes and 2,000 jobs targeted, with Ballymore/Sainsbury's proposing 2,500+ homes) and the Earl's Court Opportunity Area (spanning RBKC and Hammersmith & Fulham). The council is implementing 45 commitments in response to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase Two report.
If your project complies with permitted development rules, you don't need to worry about approval rates — a Lawful Development Certificate is a factual assessment, not a judgment call.
Recent planning applications in Kensington and Chelsea
Browse what's been approved near you
Seeing what similar projects have been approved near your property can help you understand what Kensington and Chelsea expects in terms of scale, materials, and design. It's also useful for gauging how quickly the council processes applications.
Search planning applications on Kensington and Chelsea's portal →Data from MHCLG planning application register. Search for householder applications (H01/H02) to see extensions and loft conversions in your area.
Housing delivery in Kensington and Chelsea
Housing Delivery Test 2023 measurement | Source: MHCLG
Kensington and Chelsea delivered 855 homes against a requirement of 1,361 over the three-year measurement period, giving a Housing Delivery Test score of 63%. This is well below the 75% threshold, which triggers the most significant consequence: the “presumption in favour of sustainable development” (also called the “tilted balance”). This means planning applications for housing should be approved unless the harm would significantly and demonstrably outweigh the benefits. For homeowners, this is a strong signal — Kensington and Chelsea is under considerable pressure to approve housing, making it one of the more favourable environments for residential planning applications in England.
Lawful Development Certificates in Kensington and Chelsea
A Lawful Development Certificate (LDC) is formal confirmation from Kensington and Chelsea that your project is lawful under permitted development rules. It is not legally required before you build, but it is the only official document that proves your project did not need planning permission. Most solicitors will ask for one when you come to sell, remortgage, or insure your property.
Kensington and Chelsea decided 737 householder applications in the year ending september 2025. Their 8-week performance of 95.9% is above the national average of 93%, which suggests LDC applications are likely to be processed on time. LDC applications follow the same 8-week statutory determination period as householder planning applications.
How to apply for an LDC in Kensington and Chelsea
You can apply for a Lawful Development Certificate through the Planning Portal or directly through Kensington and Chelsea's website. You will need to submit:
- A completed application form (available on the Planning Portal)
- A site location plan at 1:1250 or 1:2500 scale
- Existing and proposed floor plans and elevations
- A written description of the proposed works and how they comply with the GPDO 2015
- The application fee of £258
Kensington and Chelsea must issue a decision within 8 weeks. If the application is approved, the certificate is a permanent legal record that the development is lawful. If refused, you can appeal to the Planning Inspectorate or amend your project and reapply.
Need help preparing your LDC application?
Our Permitted Development Certificate Report gives you a full PD eligibility assessment, property constraints check, and application checklist tailored to your address and project — so you can apply with confidence.
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Approval rates, decision patterns, Article 4 directions, fees & timelines, and council-specific tips for Kensington and Chelsea.
Pre-application advice in Kensington and Chelsea
Free pre-application advice — Kensington and Chelsea is one of the few councils to offer householder pre-app advice at no charge. Take advantage of this before submitting your planning application. You can typically expect a response within Level 1: 2 weeks; Level 2: 4 weeks; Level 3: 5 weeks.
Pre-app advice is especially if your project is borderline, your property is in a conservation area, or your home is a listed building.
Think your project might be permitted development?
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Check your PD rights now →Fast-track application service available for £824 inc VAT (householder determination within 2 working days after consultation ends; LDCs within 10 working days). Contact fasttrack@rbkc.gov.uk. No free duty planner — all advice is paid.
Planning fees and timelines in Kensington and Chelsea
| Application type | Fee | Typical timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Householder planning permission | £528 | Single dwelling — extension, loft conversion, outbuilding (April 2025 rate) |
| Lawful Development Certificate (proposed) | £264 | Confirm PD rights before starting work |
| Lawful Development Certificate (existing) | £298 | Retrospective — confirm existing work is lawful |
| Listed building consent | £0 | No fee — but application required for any works affecting listed building character |
| Certificate of lawfulness (proposed use) | £264 | For proposed change of use |
| Basement planning permission | £548 | All basements require planning permission (Article 4 borough-wide). Basements SPD applies |
| Discharge of conditions | £145 | Per request (householder) |
| Non-material amendment | £44 | Minor changes to approved householder scheme |
Fees are set nationally and correct as of April 2026. Pre-application fees are set by Kensington and Chelsea and may change. Building regulations fees are separate — see the building control section below.
Building regulations in Kensington and Chelsea
Building regulations approval is separate from planning permission. Most extensions, loft conversions, and structural alterations need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
Building control in Kensington and Chelsea is provided by Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Building Control. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea provides in-house building control. Given the borough's exceptional density of listed buildings and conservation areas, early engagement with building control is strongly recommended for all structural works. You can also use a private approved inspector instead of the council's service.
Contact the building control team for a fee quotation based on your project scope.
Kensington and Chelsea planning department
Your building project checklist for Kensington and Chelsea
- Check if your property is in a conservation area — Kensington and Chelsea has 38 conservation areas. Use our free checker or see the list above.
- Check for Article 4 directions at your address — Kensington and Chelsea has 6 Article 4 areas. Check your address.
- Check if your property is listed — search the Historic England list.
- Use our free PD checker to see if your project qualifies as permitted development — Check now.
- Consider a Lawful Development Certificate if PD applies — it protects you when selling. Learn more about LDCs or get your PD Certificate Report.
- Consider pre-application advice if planning permission is needed — see the pre-application section above.
- Check building regulations — most extensions and loft conversions need building regs approval even if they don't need planning permission.
- Check Party Wall Act obligations if building near a boundary — read our Party Wall guide or use our free Party Wall tool.
- Notify your home insurer about planned building work.
- Get at least 3 quotes from builders and check their credentials.
Nearby planning authorities
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