The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council was overruled in an attempted prevention of building works at South Kensington tube station.
The Planning Inspectorate, which is an agency within the Department of Levelling up, approved the renovation proposals on Tuesday.
Working with the property developer Native Land Ltd., TfL will provide step-free access to the District and Circle lines, expand the station ticket hall, build offices and develop over 50 new homes in the area.
Native Land’s development plans were first proposed in 2018.
The council then rejected the plans in November 2021.
Local councillors expressed concerns over the proposed five-story height and fears it would damage its heritage.
Native Land Ltd. annotated plans for South Kensington tube station developments.
“A disappointing blow”
The proposals faced significant local government opposition.
Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Council Member for Planning and Public Realm, said: “Destinations need transport links and development, but not at any cost.
“Certainly not at the cost of the area’s recognisably distinctive and much-loved character.
“This decision by the Planning Inspectorate is a disappointing blow for people who live in the area”.
22 local community groups also opposed it.
Positive Developments
The architectural planners, Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners (RSHP), went through six consultations before the Planning Inspectorate reached their decision.
However, not every part was approved.
The Inspectorate rejected a proposal to add shop fronts to the tube line that runs along between museums, along Exhibition Road.
35% of the new homes developed will be classed as on-site affordable housing.
TfL are confident about the developments, saying the South Kensington station is a “gateway to one of London’s best-known cultural quarters and popular tourist destinations.”
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HeadlineSouth Kensington Tube Renovations approved despite council pushback
Short HeadlineSouth Kensington station renovations allowed to go ahead
StandfirstRenovations to South Kensington tube station and surrounding area approved after five-year campaign by developers
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council was overruled in an attempted prevention of building works at South Kensington tube station.
The Planning Inspectorate, which is an agency within the Department of Levelling up, approved the renovation proposals on Tuesday.
Working with the property developer Native Land Ltd., TfL will provide step-free access to the District and Circle lines, expand the station ticket hall, build offices and develop over 50 new homes in the area.
Native Land’s development plans were first proposed in 2018.
The council then rejected the plans in November 2021.
Local councillors expressed concerns over the proposed five-story height and fears it would damage its heritage.
Native Land Ltd. annotated plans for South Kensington tube station developments.
“A disappointing blow”
The proposals faced significant local government opposition.
Councillor Cem Kemahli, Lead Council Member for Planning and Public Realm, said: “Destinations need transport links and development, but not at any cost.
“Certainly not at the cost of the area’s recognisably distinctive and much-loved character.
“This decision by the Planning Inspectorate is a disappointing blow for people who live in the area”.
22 local community groups also opposed it.
Positive Developments
The architectural planners, Rogers Stirk Harbour & Partners (RSHP), went through six consultations before the Planning Inspectorate reached their decision.
However, not every part was approved.
The Inspectorate rejected a proposal to add shop fronts to the tube line that runs along between museums, along Exhibition Road.
35% of the new homes developed will be classed as on-site affordable housing.
TfL are confident about the developments, saying the South Kensington station is a “gateway to one of London’s best-known cultural quarters and popular tourist destinations.”
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