Duke’s Lodge, 80 Holland Park, London W11

This was a two week inquiry into an appeal against the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea’s refusal to grant planning permission for Candy & Candy’s proposal for a new luxury apartment building in Holland Park. The issues included (i) the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the Holland Park Conservation Area (ii) the design of the proposed apartment building (iii) the construction impact and whether the proposal was in accordance with RBKC’s policy on basements and (iv) the appropriate affordable housing contribution having regard to the evidence on viability. Following the inquiry, on 29 January 2016 the Inspector published her decision allowing the appeal and granting planning permission for the development. Christopher Katkowski QC and Charles Banner appeared for the Appellant, Dukes Lodge (Guernsey) Ltd, a subsidiary of Candy & Candy’s CPC Group.