Locals living in a “little community” in London fear that a string of independent shops could be turned into a McDonald’s or Tesco’s. A series of objections have been submitted against plans to turn three shops into one retail unit.
A grocer, café and dry cleaners, situated in Harrington Court, part of the South Kensington Shopping Centre, would all be affected by the application. A decision will be made at a Kensington and Chelsea Council planning sub-committee next Tuesday (May 26).
The application proposes combining the three separate units into one 87 square meter retail space with a new shop front. However, residents have raised concerns over the potential loss of three independent businesses.
“I want to object to this planning application as it is not good for our local business to lose these three shops,” said one written objection, adding: “we love our little community.”
Another objector wrote to the council to say that they were worried the three shops would turn into a McDonald’s, Sainsbury’s or Tesco.
“These three local shops are providing a lot of things and they are very convenient for all the community. I do my dry cleaning, [buy] fruit and at the same get my tea and coffee from these shops,” it said.
A new staircase providing access into the basement would be created within its own fire safe corridor. Planning permission would not normally be needed to amalgamate three units but changes to the shopfront make it necessary in this case.
Sketch, which designed the plans, said in their planning statement: “The proposed development seeks to deliver a high-quality, well-considered design that enhances the visual and functional character of the existing building and the wider streetscape.
“The amalgamation of three small commercial units into a single, larger retail unit will make more efficient use of the premises, improve accessibility, and create a more attractive frontage that contributes positively to the local townscape.”
Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Planning Sub-Committee will make a decision about the application on Tuesday (May 26).
