H&F approves development of old school local boozer

Hammersmith and Fulham Planning Committee approved the mixed-use update of the Chelsea Pub, the Clarence, unanimously, following the officer recommendation.

The application concerns The Clarence, 148 North End Road, London W14 9PP, and relates to the reconfiguration and partial retention of the existing public house at basement and ground floor levels, together with substantial extensions and roof additions. In addition, the upper floors would be changed into 11 self-contained flats, while the ground floor would retain enlarged ancillary commercial space and bin storage. External changes include new openings at ground level facing May Street, as well as new doors and windows to the courtyard.

The committee accepted that the scheme would make effective use of the site, contribute to housing supply, and provide homes of an acceptable standard. It was also considered high-quality in design, acceptable in heritage terms, and not harmful to neighbouring amenity, subject to conditions and legal agreement. Highways, environmental, energy, ecology, flood risk, air quality, and land contamination issues were also judged to be adequately addressed.

A key consideration was the retention of the public house. The report noted that the ground floor pub area would be reduced only modestly, while the basement would remain unchanged. The beer garden would also be smaller, but this was not considered likely to undermine viability. The pub, dating from 1867, was described as a rare two-room locals’ pub with characterful historic features.

 It is noted by CAMRA as a Chelsea-friendly pub, with an early opening on match days possible, and it has been described as a superb old-school local boozer.