Kensington and Chelsea
Planning & Building Contacts

RBKC has the highest concentration of listed buildings of any London borough - over 4,000, covering around 50% of all buildings in the borough. Around 40 conservation areas cover almost the entire built environment. Basement developments have been a major planning issue - the borough has specific basement policy. The Chelsea and Kensington riversides have significant amenity and flood risk considerations. Notting Hill, Portobello Road and Holland Park are particularly sensitive planning areas.

Building regulations approval is required for most structural work, extensions, loft conversions, new windows and heating system changes. You may use either the council's own building control service or a private Approved Inspector. For listed buildings, building control must be coordinated with Listed Building Consent requirements.

The Royal Hospital Chelsea (Grade I, Christopher Wren) is among the most significant buildings in the borough. Leighton House Museum (Grade II*) and Holland House (Grade II*) are notable cultural heritage assets. Kensington Palace (Grade II*) sits on the borough boundary. The borough's Victorian and Georgian terraces in Chelsea, Kensington and Notting Hill represent some of the finest residential architecture in the world. Around 40 conservation areas protect almost the entire historic built environment. Listed Building Consent is required in addition to planning permission for any works to a listed building that would affect its special architectural or historic interest, including internal works.

Flood risk in Kensington and Chelsea is primarily from the tidal Thames along the Chelsea Embankment. Chelsea Embankment properties and lower-lying streets near the river lie within Flood Zone 3. The Counters Creek (now culverted under Warwick Road) creates some residual surface water flood risk. Check the flood map for any development near the Thames or in lower-lying areas of the borough.