Residents vented their fury today after the oil-rich nation of Oman was given permission to start building a two-storey mega-basement at its £12 million embassy, despite the local council banning such developments.
Kensington & Chelsea councillors gave planning approval for the work at the grade II listed building in Thurloe Square, opposite the Victoria and Albert Museum. But neighbours say it “flies in the face” of the council’s own ban on double-height basements, introduced last year.
They also raised concerns about noise, traffic and the risk to surrounding buildings.
The Arab sultanate wants to expand the three-storey end-terrace property in Thurloe Square to give more space for consular services and hosting functions. A silver store and pantry will be located under the main entrance with proposals for a “VIP canteen” on the ground floor.
Council officers acknowledge the dig does not comply with their new limits on basement excavations.
However, they say permission for a similar development was granted last year when the building — previously the Kazakh embassy — was in residential use after being sold to Abu Dhabi investors for £8.6 million. In their report, the officers admitted: “There is a degree of harm to the setting of heritage significance.” But they added: “This is less than substantial and sufficient public benefits are provided to outweigh this harm.”
Locals expressed their anger at the decision. Hereditary peer and former restaurateur Lord Rathcavan said: “We cannot cope with the dust, noise and traffic access in such a small area.”
Jan Langmuir, secretary of Thurloe Residents Association, said: “It would be a travesty if this application was given special consideration because the property is owned by the government of Oman.”
Neighbour Sarah Hewett said: “Another deep dig will reduce parking availability, increase the noise and the mess. With so much deep excavation in such a concentrated area, who knows what structural damage could be done.” Amanda Mary Jenkins added: “If the embassy needs more room, perhaps they should move to Nine Elms and build next to the Americans.”
The application was accepted this week subject to a list of conditions, including a set time limit for construction, a traffic management plan and protection of trees.
