Hillgate Village Residents’ Association


Heathrow Newsletter (July 2026)

Dear members and supporters,

We have decided to issue this additional newsletter because the Government has just opened its consultation on Heathrow expansion and associated flight paths. The consultation closes on 1 September, leaving a relatively short window for residents to respond.

Importantly, the proposed airspace redesign would affect Kensington & Bayswater whether or not a third runway is built. We therefore encourage you to take a few minutes over the summer to make your views known.

Many people choose to live in this part of London because of its relative peace and tranquillity. Regular aircraft arriving overhead, including from as early as 4.30am, would fundamentally change the character of our neighbourhood.

Thank you to all who donated to SOS to fund the judicial review of the Holland Park Roundabout - the fundraiser is continuing (see link below) and we'll keep you posted on their progress.

SOS Go Fund Me page
(The tip function can be reduced/eliminated by moving the slider at the top of the page; they already charge 2.9% commission)

Finally, we now have a dedicated email address from the Council for inconsiderate e-bike parking.  Please use it, as the operators pay fines. 

With kind regards,


The HVRA Committee

Heathrow Expansion: New Flight Path will Affect Kensington & Bayswater

The Government has launched a consultation on its draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement, supporting the rearrangement of airspace and a third runway at Heathrow. The proposal would increase annual flights from 480,000 to 750,000, bringing an estimated 325 flights a day over Kensington & Bayswater, with a projected increase to 500 flights per day.  

Note that we risk being impacted even if the third runway does not go ahead - the planned airspace reorganisation alone would implement a new approach directly above Notting Hill Gate.

The consultation closes on 1 September, despite being launched at the start of the summer holidays. Read the draft Heathrow Expansion National Policy Statement (HENPS):
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/draft-heathrow-expansion-national-policy-statement

HVRA is particularly concerned about the potential impact on residents, including increased aircraft noise, air pollution and the effect on parks and open spaces such as Kensington Gardens and Holland Park. Recent research by the Civil Aviation Authority and Department for Transport suggests people are affected by aircraft noise at significantly lower levels than current government policy recognises, raising concerns that the consultation underestimates the true impact. Read more:
https://www.aef.org.uk/2026/06/11/many-more-people-bothered-by-aircraft-noise-than-previously-thought/

While the Government argues that quieter aircraft will offset the increase in flights, we do not believe this justifies exposing new communities to regular aircraft noise. Our response will call for meaningful public engagement, a reassessment of the proposals in light of the latest evidence, and stronger protection for London’s residents and green spaces.

How you can help

Further information is also available from the Aviation Environment Federation:
https://www.aef.org.uk/

New Silvertime Casino on Notting Hill Gate - deadline 24th July

A planning application has been submitted for another Silvertime Casino and slot machine venue in the former NatWest Bank building at 46-48 Notting Hill Gate, in addition to their existing premises on Pembridge Road (above). The proposal has already attracted strong opposition from local residents and the Pembridge Association.

The operator was granted a gambling licence last December and is now seeking planning permission. You can view the application here:

https://atlas.rbkc.gov.uk/planningsearch/cases/PP/26/03366

Although the application is detailed, individual comments from local residents can make a real difference. When submitting your views, it is most effective to focus on the planning issues raised by the proposal (e.g. anti-social behaviour, crime, noise, etc., during extended opening hours until 4am) and how these would affect the local area, rather than simply objecting to gambling or casinos in principle.  

Whilst a Silvertime Casino was recently refused permission in Earl’s Court, unfortunately this is unlikely to happen here as the gambling licence already exists; we can only hope to influence the operation.

The public consultation closes on 24 July 2026.

The easiest way to respond is via the RBKC planning portal by clicking the blue “Comments” button on the application page. Please remember to select “Object” (or “Comment”/“Support”, as appropriate) and include the application reference PP/26/03366 in your submission. You may also email your comments to planning@rbkc.gov.uk.

All representations will be published on the planning portal, although you can choose to withhold your personal details from public view by selecting the relevant privacy option when submitting your comments.

Dedicated email address for e-bike/e-scooter removal


RBKC now have a dedicated email for e-bikes which are blocking pavements and roads or which are dangerously parked.  Please give the bike number, operator (Forest, Lime, etc) and location, and attach a photo if you can:

ebike-enforcement@rbkc.gov.uk