A major planning milestone has been achieved in Chelsea with approval for 274 new homes, including the borough’s first purpose-built extra care housing at Lots Road South.
The scheme, developed in partnership with Mount Anvil, is designed to provide independent living for older residents over 55 who require home care, with round-the-clock on-site support.
The development will comprise 65 extra care homes offered at social rent, 53 additional social rent homes, and 156 private residences. Beyond housing, the plan includes a new community square, a community centre, landscaped gardens, a Creekside promenade, and flexible commercial and affordable workspaces. The intention is to create a vibrant, well-integrated neighbourhood that respects Chelsea’s character while addressing pressing housing needs.
The Lots Road South project forms a key component of the Council’s commitment to increasing genuinely affordable housing. It aligns with wider plans for the area, such as a riverside open space featuring seating, play facilities, planting, a drinking fountain, and ornamental entrance gates. Enhancements to river access via the Thames Pathway linkages are also planned, offering residents improved recreational opportunities. Opportunities for rebuilding or replacing the existing jetty are being explored alongside these initiatives.
Local parks are also being upgraded. Westfield Park, for instance, is undergoing improvements including additional planting, seating, a water fountain, new toilets, and an accessible Changing Place facility. These efforts aim to complement the wider Lots Road South development and ensure that community spaces remain welcoming and functional for all residents.
Cllr Emma Will, lead member for property, emphasised the significance of the planning approval. She said, “Securing planning approval for Lots Road South means we can move forward with delivering high-quality homes, including much-needed extra care housing for our residents – creating yet another amazing space in our borough.” She acknowledged concerns about disruption during construction, noting that residents’ feedback had been incorporated into the design process to minimise impacts while addressing London’s ongoing housing crisis.
Marcus Bate, Partnerships, Planning, Communities & Sustainability Director at Mount Anvil, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. He commented, “We are proud to have worked closely and collaboratively alongside the local community and our partners to achieve this milestone. The new homes at Lots Road South are going to significantly contribute to Kensington and Chelsea hitting its housing targets. The affordable homes in particular will address a distinct local need and give the residents living in them independence and an enhanced quality of life.”
Bate added that the development, including public realm improvements, sustainability measures, and new commercial and community spaces, would transform an underutilised site into a dynamic neighbourhood, providing long-term benefits to both local residents and the wider community.
