Most of the built environment within the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea serves as a model of high quality urban design that accommodates the highest of building densities without tall buildings.

  The few tall buildings that have been erected within the Royal Borough often serve to show the harm they can cause. This is demonstrated in terms of the dramatic impact they can have upon views from surrounding neighbourhoods; the poor quality public realm often found at the base of tall buildings because of overshadowing and downdrafts; and the harm caused by introducing dominant structures finished in alien materials within relatively uniform built environments.

  The Royal Borough has used the planning system to preserve and enhance the special character of this part of London. We are concerned that earlier mistakes will be repeated by current proposals for tall buildings randomly dotted across London.