Residents set to be banned from knocking houses through to create ‘mega-mansions’

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

A London borough could soon ban rich residents from building ‘mega-mansions.’

Kensington and Chelsea council is set to stop its residents from knocking down walls or creating tunnels between properties as part of its new local plan.

The borough has had 77 applications since 2018 from residents trying to knock through two houses to create single mansions.

The council is hoping the initiative will help it protect its housing stock and tackle the need for new social housing in the borough.

Deputy council leader Kim Taylor Smith, in charge of planning, said: “It needs to be done thoughtfully, protecting our unique collection of villages and towns as well as growing our borough.

“The individual identities of our high streets are what makes our borough the most liveable place in the city.

“Protecting those identities, and our current residential property in the borough, will play a major role in making sure we stay the best place to live in London for our residents.”

There are 3,200 people on the housing register in Kensington and Chelsea but the council can only build 400 new homes a year.

New neighbourhoods are expected in Earls Court and Kensal Canalside. The borough is aiming to have built 4,480 new homes by 2032.

The move is part of the council’s draft New Local Plan to protect housing and make the most of the space within the borough.

Policies are under consultation until Wednesday, March 23.

Kensington and Chelsea council already limits the size of basements to single stories after mega basements were planned and built across Central London.

The new local plan also aims to ban skyscrapers from certain parts of the borough.

It also wants to halt the expansion of Airbnb flats for rent and other temporary accommodation to protect permanent residential homes.