The proposed redevelopment of South Kensington London Underground station will go ahead after planning inspector Zoë Hill allowed an appeal, in part. The initial planning application was rejected by Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council which led to an appeal by the developers, Native Land (Kensington) Limited, TTL South Kensington Properties Limited and London Underground Limited.
The proposal aims to restore and refurbish retail facades in the Arcade; alter the ticket hall within the station to provide step-free access; construct a fire escape stairwell; create new retail facades within the Subway; and construct a building along Pelham Street that will accommodate residential areas, offices and retail. In consideration of the appeal, Ms Hill dismissed the proposal to construct the retail facades in the Subway as it is Grade II listed and the proposals would create significant harm to the building.
The other proposals were accepted during the appeal, subject to conditions that have been imposed by the inspector.
All planning appeals involve trying to balance all of the potential positive and negative impacts of a proposal and making a final decision as to whether the positive impacts outweigh the negative. Although the accepted proposals will cause some degree of harm to listed buildings and structures, it was considered that the harm done in this case could be considered "less than substantial" when weighed against the overall result.
In essence, making sure that this station has step-free access was the overriding positive impact for the inspector. Ms Hill stated in her appeal decision that "for the first time those with disabilities, infirmity or using pushchairs with children, and those who might [be] accompanying them, could readily access the internationally important museums of Albertopolis and other institutions of learning from the London Underground". Given that South Kensington station is the fourth busiest Underground station, with 34 million passengers a year, step-free access would be a real bonus.
And whilst the inspector acknowledged that the proposal resulted in some conflicts with local policies, it also supported other significant policy objectives. On balance, the inspector decided that the majority of the proposal should go ahead, but the Subway proposals are dismissed.
