Council defends enforcement action at Chelsea Reach

Published: Thursday 10 October 2024


The Council has presented a case to the Planning Inspectorate for enforcement action against two houseboats at Chelsea Reach.

Enforcement notices were served on 8 May 2024 requiring The Zephyr and The Pacifica to be removed permanently from the moorings within the next eight months. The action came after a decision by the Planning Committee that there had been a material change of use of the land through intensification by the introduction of two significantly different houseboats, due to their large size, their form and configuration as two self-contained units. 
The enforcement notices said this is harmful to the character and appearance of the Thames Conservation Area and views of the River Thames from nearby residential properties at high level.
An appeal against the enforcement action was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate by the Chelsea Yacht and Boat Company.

As part of the appeal process, the Council presented its case for the enforcement action to the Planning Inspectorate during a two-day hearing on Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 October 2024.

The Council’s case states:

The Pacifica and The Zephyr houseboats are greater in size than any other houseboats moored at the site, as a matter of fact. It is also the case that the two houseboats comprise two separate dwellings rather than one, which is not the case with the other houseboats moored at the site. The Council considers that the two houseboats are materially larger than any other houseboat moored at the site in order to accommodate the additional dwelling. The introduction of these much larger vessels has resulted in change to the character and nature of the Site in a material way.

The decision on whether the appeal is granted now lies with the Planning Inspectorate. The Inspectorate usually makes a decision within around four weeks of a hearing.

Cllr Gerard Hargreaves, ward councillor for Chelsea Riverside, said:


“The community spoke loud and clear about their concerns regarding these boats and the Council issued enforcement notices after the planning committee reviewed all the evidence. It’s clear to me and to local residents that the boats are not in keeping with the landscape and are materially different to other boats in the moorings, which has a terrible impact on London’s iconic riverside. An appeal was lodged with the Planning Inspectorate and planning officers have made a strong case for the enforcement action.”
 

The Council’s full statement of case is available to read online and you can see all documents related appeal via our planning search pages