The Onslow neighbourhood is one of the most attractive areas in London and is a Conservation Area with many listed buildings, making the area of special architectural interest. ONA devotes a large part of its time to protect this, particularly by keeping a close watch on planning and license applications. However other issues on which the Association maintains a strong interest include:

• Traffic congestion
• Transport and Parking
• Street cleaning and refuse collection
• Noise levels and other pollution
• Licensing and crime prevention

ONA recognises the diversity of residential and commercial interests and uses of the local area. This is part of what makes this area so special. But maintaining the special character of the area requires vigilance and an unwavering determination from the committee and ONA’s members. The local area remains under constant pressure of residential and commercial evolution. The excavation of basements and the spread of restaurants/cafe chains seems unrelenting. An issue which has come into focus in recent times is the so called ‘night time economy’. This, too, puts pressure on the local area as licensed premises often require permission for later opening hours and the provision of outside tables and chairs. In recent years RBKC has favoured the interests of commerce over those of the local residents. ONA scrutinises those applications which appear to go against our objectives, and objects where appropriate to the relevant committee at RBKC.

ONA’s aim is always to uphold the rights and amenity of local residents.

The Association keeps in touch with its members with regular email updates, an annual newsletter, and this website. ONA also keeps in touch with other associations, particularly if we think there is an issue important enough that may impact on our area in the future.

What is not part of our brief are relationships between Landlord and Tenant, or rents, or property values.

Planning and Licensing

ONA devotes a large part of its attention to Planning and Licensing. We do this by, among other things, monitoring the weekly applications in the neighbourhood. Even if there is an application just outside our area that seems to conflict with our objectives, we will make an objection in order to avoid the ‘leap-frogging’ of bad architecture into our area. We are not an island, but part of the larger South Kensington area of the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC).

Our Committee members often attend meetings of the local council, and are in contact with Police officers from the Borough’s safer neighbourhood teams.

The intention to develop South Kensington Station, and the area around the Station by Transport for London (TfL), remains at the forefront of ONA’s mind. ONA participates in consultations with TfL as various plans come and go over the years; but the intention to develop it remains. ONA welcomes positive development that is consistent with the interests of the local residents, as well as local businesses.

It also often makes representations to the local authority on issues such a planning applications and the licensing of bars, restaurants and clubs in the local area.

The Garden Party

The Association also hosts the only garden party permitted in Onslow Square. This is a unique opportunity to meet your neighbours, councillors and representatives of other local associations.