key principles

Our Final Proposals

Following two rounds of consultation in March–April and June–July 2025 and conversations with officers at Westminster City Council, we have carefully reviewed all the feedback received.

We are now bringing forward our final proposals, informed by comments received throughout the consultation process.

Since outline planning permission was granted for the Chelsea Barracks Masterplan in 2012, residential market conditions have changed significantly.

We are therefore proposing to replace the 20 consented townhouses with 87 high-quality apartments to better meet changing demand and housing need.

In reviewing our proposal, we continue to be guided by several key principles:

Responding to changing market conditions to progress the masterplan

Optimising housing delivery and meeting growing need in Westminster

Preserving neighbouring amenity

Upholding the design codes of the consented scheme

Key design updates

Before

After

Massing

The revised proposals respond to current housing policy, reflect updated safety and regulatory standards introduced since the original approval, and support the accelerated delivery of Phase 5.

As part of this, modest two-storey extensions are proposed to Blocks 12 and 13 to create additional homes within the apartment scheme. These extensions have been carefully designed and independently assessed to ensure neighbouring amenity is preserved. Specialist daylight and sunlight consultants, GIA, carried out a detailed study of all 43 surrounding residential properties.

Their analysis confirms that the proposals fully comply with BRE guidelines, with either no impact or only negligible effects on daylight and sunlight.

Design and materiality

The proposals follow the philosophy of the original approved masterplan, creating a contextual development with buildings that address a central garden square (Orchard Square).

Building 14 has reverted from a crescent to a rectilinear form consistent with the masterplan, helping to rationalise internal layouts.

In response to public feedback expressing a preference for lighter materials on the buildings’ façades, stone transoms have been added below all balcony windows to replace the previously proposed metal detailing. The windows in the centres of Block 12 and 13 have been enlarged to improve the appearance of the façade. The chosen brick reflects the changing character of the development across the Chelsea Barracks site, in line with the Design Code and the Belgravia Neighbourhood Design Code.

Parking and Transport Approach

The proposals adopt a car-free approach, in line with the London Plan and Westminster’s City Plan.

The existing parking provision across the development will accommodate future residents of Phase 5.

In addition, all Chelsea Barracks residents are prevented from obtaining Westminster on-street parking permits through the Section 106 Agreement with Westminster City Council, ensuring that new residents cannot park on local roads and increase pressure on surrounding streets.

The removal of basement parking also reduces vehicle movements, eliminates the need for ramps, and improves conditions at street level.

You can view the exhibition boards from our previous rounds of consultation here

Updated Visuals

The final scheme design is still under development, the below sketches are indicative only.

Key benefits

Optimising housing delivery under Phase 5

Supporting Westminster’s growing housing targets

Offering a wider range of housing options, including family homes

Delivering economic benefits including additional employment opportunities and increased local spend

Continuing our commitment to leading sustainable development

Preserving neighbouring amenity in line with masterplan design principles

Safeguarding the progress of the wider masterplan

Improving site permeability for future residents