Politics
London Assembly Planning Reform Bill and New Development Reviews in Notting Hill
The bill shifts planning timelines for projects above 10 units in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, with first local applications due for review in September 2026.
How we reported this
The London Assembly passed the Planning Reform Bill on 28 June 2026, shortening consultation periods for residential developments of 10 or more units from 12 weeks to eight weeks across all London boroughs. In Notting Hill this change applies directly to sites within the W11 and W10 postcodes that fall under Kensington and Chelsea Council jurisdiction.
The legislation responds to the Greater London Authority housing target of 88,000 new homes per year set in the 2025 London Plan update. Kensington and Chelsea must demonstrate progress against its share of that target by March 2027 or face central government intervention on local plan making.
Daily effects for Notting Hill households
Residents living near Portobello Road or along Ladbroke Grove will see planning notices posted for a shorter period. Neighbours will have eight weeks instead of 12 to submit comments on height, daylight or traffic impacts before the council issues a decision. Local advocates note that smaller community groups may struggle to organise responses within the tighter window.
The bill also requires developers to publish a local labour plan showing how many construction jobs will go to borough residents. Kensington and Chelsea Council estimates that qualifying schemes could generate 120 on-site roles per year once the first approvals clear in late 2026.
Budget papers released with the legislation allocate an extra £2.3 million to the borough’s planning enforcement team for the 2026-27 financial year. Officers will use the funding to monitor compliance with the new labour and design conditions on Notting Hill sites.
The government says the policy will speed up delivery of 450 affordable homes in the borough by 2028. Applications already in the system will continue under the old rules until 31 August 2026.
Next steps include a public briefing by Kensington and Chelsea planning officers on 15 July 2026 at the Town Hall, followed by the first batch of decisions under the shortened timetable in September.