Native Land and Places for London have won the planning appeal from The Planning Inspectorate for the redevelopment of South Kensington Underground station and the surrounding area.

The appeal follows the decision made by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC)’s planning committee to refuse the planning application in 2021.

The planning application was first submitted to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in 2020 after extensive consultation with the local community and key stakeholders. Refinements were submitted in 2021 following further feedback from key stakeholders.

The Planning Inspectorate has now ruled that the development can proceed, except for two new shopfronts in the subway linking the station to the museums on Exhibition Road.

RBKC refused the application in December 2021, going against its planning officer’s recommendation, and despite the plans receiving nearly 700 letters of support (including from Natural History Museum, the V&A, the Science Museum and Imperial College).

On 12 December 2023, the Planning Inspector ruled that Native Land and Places for London’s appeal against the refusal should be allowed, acknowledging that the scheme will provide a range of important benefits.

The proposals designed by RSHP include new affordable homes and provide step-free access from street level to the ticket hall as well as completing the delivery of step-free access to trains on the Circle and District line platforms. Julian Harrap Architects are working on the heritage elements of the scheme.

Alasdair Nicholls, Chief Executive of Native Land, commented:

“This decision brings a drawn-out planning process to a positive conclusion, achieving a rare consent for a major mixed-use sustainable development in a central London location. This is a high-quality scheme that will protect the heritage of the station while bringing a renewed sense of place to South Kensington.

When complete, it will create an experience befitting the gateway to London’s internationally renowned museum and cultural quarter.”

Scott Anderson, Head of Property Development at Places for London, added: “We are delighted with this positive decision. The consented proposals enhance the South Kensington station buildings and surrounding streets, while embracing the historic context of the area and honouring its legacy. The station sees millions of journeys being made by people from across the world, with it acting as a gateway to some of Britain’s most important and treasured cultural institutions, and these improvements will help them to experience London at its finest.”