Policy information sourced from the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Plan
KBR12: METROPOLITAN OPEN LAND
A: The character and function of the Metropolitan Open Land (MOL) will be protected and enhanced, including views, tranquillity, its openness, nature conservation value and historic parkland features, which forms a setting to the adjacent Conservation Areas and Royal Parks.
B: Development proposals will only be acceptable in very special circumstances in line with this and other policies in the development plan.
C: The re-use of existing buildings that contribute positively to the MOL’s character and function will be encouraged where practicable and viable.
D: Development proposals in the Neighbourhood Area’s MOL should:
- maintain and strengthen the historic functions of the Neighbourhood Area’s MOL as an integral part of the Royal Parks;
- increase permeability and connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists north-south across the MOL and seek to reduce the vehicular dominance of South Carriage Drive;
- plan for the next generation of trees and maintain the MOL’s treeline to the south of South Carriage Drive and its extent of visibility in all protected and other relevant views from and to Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens. Any relevant proposals should be supported by accurate visual representations against views agreed with Westminster City Council; and
- respect the character of the surrounding area in terms of height, bulk and massing, materiality and character of the urban edge that forms a setting to the MOL and the Royal Parks. The MOL in the Knightsbridge Neighbourhood Area is not an appropriate location for new tall buildings, defined as buildings that are significantly taller than their surroundings.
For more information please see the Neighbourhood Plan