Edwin Coe wins Landmark Rejection of Planning Consent on Billionaires’ Row

Edwin Coe is delighted to announce that it has secured a unanimous rejection of planning applications made to the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC), for a large subterranean development at 10 Kensington Palace Gardens, on behalf of its client the French Government.

Since 2008, the French Government has been opposing a large subterranean development at 10 Kensington Palace Gardens (otherwise known as the Billionaires’ row), immediately adjacent to the residence of the French Ambassador in the UK. The development was granted planning consent in 2008 for a three storey basement capable of accommodating an entire car collection, a swimming pool and a tennis court. This gigantic project is the largest private development in Central London.

In January 2016, the owner Mr Jonathan Hunt applied to vary the details of his plans and lodged two applications with RBKC. The plans received the approval of the Crown Estate, the freehold owner. Numerous objections were raised by the Russian Ambassador, the High Commissioner of India and the French Ambassador.

Edwin Coe assisted in the preparation of detailed and specific objections on behalf of the French Government.  Although the applications were recommended for approval by the case officer in charge, the planning committee of RBKC decided to reject unanimously the applications.

Separately, Edwin Coe has also obtained permission to appeal to the Court of Appeal regarding other historic planning applications granted to Mr Hunt.  The case will decide whether Mr Hunt still has a valid planning consent.

RBKC has refused the applications on the grounds that the applicant did not follow the new and very strict guidelines imposed by the Council. There has been much publicity recently concerning mega basements, and this rejection will inevitably attract the attention of all those who are considering a development at RBKC and elsewhere to think twice before making an application, as well as encourage those who wish to oppose such developments in the future.