SimpsonHaugh plans to replace a 1970s hotel in Kensington with a taller scheme featuring 749 bedrooms, 340 serviced apartments, and 46 new homes are set for approval – despite opposition from hundreds of neighbours.

The practice’s proposals to replace the Kensington Forum Hotel, designed by Seifert & Partners, are 30 storeys at their highest, but step down to 22 and then seven storeys. The existing 28-storey building is branded as a Holiday Inn and has 906 rooms.

Drawn up for building owner Queensgate Investments and developer Rockwell, the proposals represent a significant increase in massing for the site off Cromwell Road, but also retain a garden square element to the area.

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