Measured Survey Kensington, London: What You Need and Costs 2025
Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) is London's most prestigious and most strictly controlled planning authority — with extensive conservation areas covering approximately 75% of the borough, a high density of listed buildings, and planning officers who apply exceptional scrutiny to every application. Commissioning the right measured survey in Kensington requires understanding what you need, what it costs, and what RBKC demands.
What Is Included in a Measured Survey
| Deliverable | What It Provides | | --- | --- | | Floor plans (all floors) | Room dimensions, walls, doors, windows, fixtures | | External elevations | All four sides — accurate heights, window positions | | Cross-sections | Floor levels, ceiling heights, stair geometry | | Floor levels | Accurate levels throughout | | DWG files | AutoCAD — for your architect | | PDF drawings | For RBKC planning submission |
RBKC Planning Requirements
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea has strict validation requirements for all planning applications.
| Requirement | Specification | | --- | --- | | Site location plan | 1:1250 scale, site outlined in red, north arrow | | Block plan | 1:500 scale, boundaries, trees, hard surfacing, access | | Drawing scale | 1:50 at A3 or 1:100 at A4 | | Scale bar | Visual scale bar on every drawing | | File format | PDF — max 10MB per attachment | | Existing drawings | Required with all applications |
RBKC uses a Local Validation List — incomplete submissions are not registered.
Kensington and Chelsea Conservation Areas
Nearly three-quarters of Kensington and Chelsea is protected by conservation areas. The key test is whether the development "preserves or enhances" the architectural character. Key areas include:
| Area | Character | | --- | --- | | Kensington squares | Victorian/Edwardian stucco terraces, garden squares | | Chelsea | Victorian brick terraces, mews houses, garden squares | | Notting Hill | Victorian terraces, vibrant residential character | | Holland Park | Victorian/Edwardian, green character | | Earl's Court | Victorian/Edwardian, specific character |
2025 Kensington Measured Survey Costs
| Property Type | Size | Cost (ex VAT) | | --- | --- | --- | | Small flat / bedsit | Up to 50 m² | £500–£850 | | 2–3 bed Victorian terrace | 60–130 m² | £800–£1,400 | | Large stucco terrace (Kensington) | 130–300 m² | £1,400–£2,200+ | | Listed building | Any | POA — typically +40–60% | | Kensington / Chelsea average | — | London's premium pricing band |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can estate agent floor plans be used for RBKC planning?
No — RBKC requires professionally measured drawings from a RICS-regulated surveyor. Estate agent floor plans are not acceptable.
Q: Does Kensington have conservation areas?
Yes — approximately 38 conservation areas covering 75% of the borough. Every application in a conservation area is assessed by a conservation officer.
Q: How much does a measured survey cost in Kensington?
For a typical Victorian terrace in Kensington or Chelsea: £800–£1,400 (ex VAT). Kensington is London's premium pricing band.
Q: Should laser scanning be used for stucco-fronted Victorian properties in Kensington?
For Victorian stucco terraces in Kensington and Chelsea, 3D laser scanning is strongly recommended — ornate plasterwork and period features are captured more accurately.
Q: My property is listed — what special requirements apply?
Listed building surveys must meet heritage recording standards. Commission a surveyor with RBKC listed building experience.
Q: What drawing scale does RBKC require?
RBKC requires drawings at 1:50 (A3) or 1:100 (A4) with a visual scale bar. Confirm the required scale with RBKC planning before commissioning.