The Chelsea Society has been concerned for some time that this important building on the Kings Road was falling into disrepair.
We were about to ask RBKC to serve a repairs notice when we found that work had commenced, to convert it into a clothes shop.
This building used to be the Markham Arms, and this is what it looked like in the 1960s.
We share the concerns of local residents about how the existing air
conditioning is to be refurbished, extended and upgraded to make it
more energy efficient and how ventilation will also be provided for
the sales, staff area and toilet, which will include additional
equipment on the north elevation; also that appropriate conditions
will be applied regarding their appearance, use, maintenance, etc.
We would also like to know the details of the fans, including their
siting, appearance, performance, hours of operation, etc. We
assume that an acoustic report will be required.We would like to see the details of all the ventilation and other
services changes to the rear of the building proposed by the
applicant. The entire building, including the rear, has been allowed
to deteriorate by successive owners and repairs and maintenance
works are long overdue. On the rear elevation and adjacent flat
roofs there are pipes and gutters and a lantern light, all in a very
poor condition.We are concerned that any remedial works do not cause damage
or disturbance to the surrounding houses in Markham Square and
Bywater Street and that they are in keeping with the listed building
and its neighbours – which are all part of a conservation area.
We have seen the pre-application advice given to the applicant in
March 2024, but note that this applies to an earlier proposal to use
the ground floor of the building as a restaurant, while the current
proposal is for a clothing store. Is there any further pre-application
advice relating to the current proposal?Residential neighbours have reason to be
concerned about the siting of services on the building, including the
flat roofs, following the installation of air/con units in breach of
planning permission and /or conditions at the nearby premises
134-136 King’s Road. This was only rectified after five years, a
successfully resisted planning appeal and the intervention of RBKC
enforcement officers. 134-136 King’s Road is not a listed building,
while 138 King’s Road is, so we believe that even greater attention
will need to be paid to any proposed changes to any part of the
building.
