Character Study

People living, working or visiting the borough were asked to review key aspects of the emerging study and contribute their views.

We have received comments on character area boundaries, key negative and positive features of each area, and potential common typologies for  new buildings which may be appropriate in different parts of the borough.

Consultees were able to view and comment on the emerging study through three platforms. A virtual exhibition room with interactive maps and questionnaires. Two public workshops focused on what future good growth might look in the borough. And briefing sessions for key stakeholders including residents’ groups and registered housing providers.

Overall, 75% of respondents agreed that the boundary and the name given to the character area they were commenting on was right.

There were over 140 contributions of special features spread relatively evenly across the borough. These included special buildings, streets, open spaces, markets and community qualities.

There were also over 500 contributions of places that could be improved. These included a range of comments on issues such as road safety issues or 'liveable streets', with many identifying public realm improvements that would improve the experience for those walking and cycling on the borough's main thoroughfares.

Respondents also shared what is most important to them about the future of their area. The most popular responses were related to protecting heritage and character (64.4%), good quality public green spaces (59.4%), quieter roads with reduced traffic (54.4%) and improved streets and layouts for cycling and walking (52.5%).

The consultation findings were incorporated into the final version of the Character Study, principally through:

• Amending the boundaries of the character areas where people felt they did not accurately reflect where they lived. This included, for instance, separating Queen's Gate and Brompton into two character areas: Queen's Gate and South Kensington, and Brompton.
• Incorporating valued and negative features into the descriptions of the character areas.
• Developing additional design principles for future development typologies.