We recognise that members of the local community may have questions regarding our proposals. We have provided below a selection of the most frequently asked questions, along with our responses.
Why is London Square proposing a new building on Tite Street?
London Square purchased the former care home and convent site in March 2024 and has since worked with the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC), neighbours, and community groups to design a high‑quality residential building.
The current building no longer contributes positively to its surroundings and sits awkwardly within the Royal Hospital Conservation Area. The proposed development aims to deliver new homes, improve public space and unlock a once‑in‑a‑lifetime opportunity to extend the National Army Museum.
Will the proposed building be out of character with Tite Street?
No. The design takes direct inspiration from the rich architectural and artistic heritage of Tite Street, including the work of architect Edward Godwin. The building includes high‑quality façade detailing, bay balconies, and materials that complement neighbouring properties.
Following community feedback, the height and massing were reduced, and rooftop plant is fully screened, keeping the overall structure within local guidelines.
Does the design exceed local council height restrictions?
The building’s structural height is 20.995m, within RBKC’s tall‑building definition. The parapet reaches 23.35m solely to shield rooftop plant for the benefit of neighbours.
As such, the development should not be considered a tall building in policy terms.
Will the project reduce the ‘townscape gap’ and harm views of the Royal Hospital Chelsea?
Much of the existing garden, around the size of two tennis courts, is being retained to preserve both the green character of the street and existing mature trees. The original purpose of the convent garden was privacy for the sisters, not to form a public view corridor.
The proposed layout maintains green space and enhances views from street level while respecting neighbouring properties.
What benefits will the development bring to the area?
Benefits include 42 new homes, a publicly accessible garden and play space open daily, six new mature trees along Tite Street, improved public realm, underground resident parking and the removal of a building that detracts from the Royal Hospital Conservation Area.
The scheme also enables a major extension to the National Army Museum.
Why demolish St Wilfrid’s?
The existing building no longer contributes positively to the area and interrupts the historic building line. The proposed design restores that historic alignment, improves architectural coherence, and replaces a deteriorating structure with one that enhances the street.
How long will the construction take?
Subject to planning approval, work could begin in 2026 and complete in 2029. The National Army Museum extension would be constructed as part of the development.
How much community consultation has taken place?
The project underwent a three‑stage consultation over 15 months, including six meetings with the Tite Street Working Group, neighbour visits, six public events, a presentation to the RBKC Developer Forum and over 2,500 visits to this website.
What are local people saying about the application?
We recognise that the submitted plans have generated considerable interest and are pleased to see over 40 letters of support, including from near neighbours and potential future residents who believe the development will greatly improve Tite Street’s appearance and character.
What changes were made in response to community feedback?
The height and massing were reduced, much of the existing garden retained, design detailing improved and the building line carefully reconsidered to restore historical alignment. Feedback was integral to shaping the final proposal.
How will the National Army Museum benefit?
The extension delivers a new underground gallery, lecture theatre and a landscaped public garden. It will increase gallery space by 40%, expand learning and community programmes, allow more of the collection to be displayed and support the Museum’s mission to engage people with soldiers’ stories.
Support our proposals
Our plans aim to bring lasting benefits to the area, improving the setting of the Royal Hospital Conservation Area and replacing an existing building that no longer contributes positively to its surroundings.
We understand that some people may have questions or concerns and we welcome open discussion about the proposals. However, without redevelopment, the opportunity to extend the National Army Museum and create new public spaces would not be possible.
If you would like to show your support or share your views, please contact us by emailing consultation@tite-street.co.uk. Every comment helps ensure that local voices are heard as the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea considers the application.
