The Kensington and Chelsea Planning Committee has approved a significant development on Kensal Canalside, proposed by Ballymore and Sainsbury’s.
After extensive debate, the application will now be reviewed by the Mayor of London. The project includes 2,519 homes, with 500 affordable units, a community hub, a supermarket, green spaces, and improved transport links.
Cllr Elizabeth Campbell emphasised the importance of this development for housing demand in Kensington and Chelsea. Cllr James Husband noted the public benefits outweigh potential harms, with the committee voting four to one in favour.
Kensal Canalside, one of two growth areas in Kensington, will transform a 19-acre brownfield site, previously a gasworks, into a vibrant neighbourhood. The masterplan, inspired by local Regency and Victorian design, includes two parks, a high street, and a restored canal basin. The development will feature a new 60,000 sq ft Sainsbury’s supermarket with underground parking.
Designed by Faulkner Browns, the project aims to enhance urban wildlife and biodiversity with diverse habitats. It promotes sustainable travel with new bus stops, pedestrian links, and cycle routes. John Mulryan of Ballymore highlighted the project’s potential to create jobs and a thriving community—Patrick Dunne of Sainsbury’s expressed excitement about the development’s impact on Ladbroke Grove.
The project will generate 2,000 permanent jobs and boost the local economy by £37 million annually. It will also support social infrastructure, including healthcare and schools. The Notting Hill Carnival will remain a key partner, with plans for a family-friendly experience. The sustainability strategy focuses on zero emissions, renewable energy, and sustainable design practices. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with the first homes and new Sainsbury’s store expected by 2030.
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