TfL: South Kensington and Tube station development in the balance as planning inquiry closes

An inquiry which will decide the future of South Kensington has closed, leaving the decision in the hands of the planning inspector.

In November 2021 , Kensington and Chelsea Council rejected an application to redevelop the area with 50 new homes and new shops, as well to improve access to the Underground station. An appeal was lodged by Transport for London (TfL) subsidiaries London Underground Ltd and TTL South Kensington Properties Ltd, along with developer Native Land (Kensington) Ltd.

The Planning Inspectorate has confirmed that the inquiry has ended, with a site visit and the final sitting taking place on Friday (May 5). All documentation has been submitted, including a section 106 agreement. A decision is expected to take at least seven weeks.

Kensington and Chelsea’s planning committee said the proposed development would “fail to preserve the special architectural and historic interest of the listed building” due to its scale and the design. The council found that this was not outweighed by the public benefits.

The developer and TfL argue that the project would bring benefits to South Kensington, including affordable housing, commercial opportunities and the station improvement.

The Tube station and surrounding area act as a gateway to the Natural History Museum, Science Museum, V&A and Royal Albert Hall.

South Kensington station and TfL

The development would include step-free access to the ticket hall, the Circle and District line and the subway tunnel.

In a separate project, TfL obtained listed building consent in 2018 to expand the capacity of the station, enlarge the ticket hall, rebuild the disused platform on the north side of the station to service the District and Circle lines, and make other changes. These projects have not been carried out. TfL said that while they remain an aspiration, there are no current timescales and that delivery would require wider development, such as the appealed application.

Affordable housing

The redevelopment would include 50 new homes around the station, including 35% affordable homes, to be delivered in the first phase of the scheme.

Pelham Street

Pelham Street would once again become two sided, with new housing and commercial buildings on the north side of the road.

New homes would be built on a vacant Thurloe Square site that backs onto the station.

South Kensington station arcade

The developer says the project will “restore and enhance the station’s Grade-II listed Arcade in its entirety to create an arrival experience befitting London’s world-renowned museum and cultural quarter”.

The Bullnose

A proposed building at the front of the station, is referred to as ‘The Bullnose’ because of its shape. The proposed building is four storeys, smaller than the surrounding buildings. On the upper floors high quality workspace would be provided. The ground floor would provide shops.