The 2023 AGM of the Society was held at Chelsea Old Town Hall on Monday 13th November.
The President, John Simpson CBE opened the meeting at 6pm and spoke about the situation in the Middle East.
The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held on Monday,14th November 2022 (Published on pages 10-21 of the Society’s Annual Report for the year 2022) were adopted
The following members of Council retired by rotation and were re-elected: Michael Bach and Jules Turner
Marina Murray, a co-opted member of Council was elected.
The Chairman, Dr. James Thompson, delivered his report for the year ending 13th November 2023
The following Motion was proposed by Mr. Andrew Prynne KC and seconded by Col. David Waddell, and unanimously adopted as a Resolution of the Society:
“The Chelsea Society, being concerned that planning powers were not being exercised to protect the amenity of Chelsea’s Riverside;
- congratulates the Leader of the Council of RBKC for calling a meeting at which King’s Counsel were able to clarify that RBKC has legal power to control the size and appearance of boats at Chelsea Reach and Cadogan Pier.
- calls upon RBKC to take enforcement action without further delay to prevent intensification at Chelsea Reach by replacing the traditional boats with large box-like structures, and to prevent the occupation of Cadogan Pier by boats without planning permission.
- calls upon RBKC to adopt the Thames Conservation Area Management plan without further delay.”
The Treasurer, Mr. Chris Lenon, presented the Accounts for the year ended 30th June 2023
The following invited speakers addressed the meeting and answered questions:
Cllr. Elizabeth Campbell, leader of the Council of the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea.
Rt. Hon. Greg Hands, Member of Parliament for Chelsea and Fulham.
Mr. Tony Devenish, Member of the Greater London Assembly.
Superintendent Owen Renowden, commander of police for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
