Filming in Kensington and Chelsea: permits and fees
RBKC manages filming on its public streets and parks; note the council is recovering from a November 2025 cyber attack, so confirm current permit routes directly.
Who issues permits
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea manages filming on its public highways and council-managed spaces. Important: In November 2025 RBKC suffered a significant cybersecurity attack that disrupted council systems. Some online services and contact systems may still be operating under temporary arrangements as of April 2026 — confirm the current permit application process directly with the council before submitting any application.
Film London acts as a co-ordination service and can help route enquiries across all London boroughs including RBKC.
What’s covered
RBKC public highways and streets including Portobello Road. Council parks. Council civic buildings. Natural History Museum and Royal Albert Hall are independently managed, though they sit within the borough boundary.
Process
Contact RBKC’s environment and public realm team to confirm the current permit application route. Film London (filmlondon.org.uk) can assist in navigating London borough contact routes. Allow three to four weeks minimum for standard applications.
Portobello Road
Portobello Road is a council-managed street with a busy antique and food market. Filming during Saturday market hours (the primary market day) is very challenging. Early mornings or weekday filming offers substantially more flexibility.
Contact
- Web: rbkc.gov.uk
- Film London: filmlondon.org.uk (for routing assistance)
Apply via RBKC or Film London → rbkc.gov.uk
FAQ
- Who issues this filming permit?
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea issues filming permits for its area. Applications go through the council's filming / events team — not the local parks department or police, although those may also be consulted.
- How long is the lead time?
- Allow at least 21 working days. Complex applications involving road closures, drone use, or multiple locations need more — plan 2–4 weeks ahead where possible.
- What's the typical cost?
- Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea quotes filming fees case-by-case based on scale, duration, and public-realm impact. Small documentary crews are often charged an admin fee only; feature-film shoots involving road closures cost meaningfully more.
- What does this permit cover?
- The permit typically covers streets, parks, civic buildings, residential. Private property and other national-body land (e.g. Crown Estate, National Trust, Royal Parks) may need separate consent.
- How do I apply?
- Apply via Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea's filming page at https://www.rbkc.gov.uk. Submit your dates, locations, crew numbers, and equipment list. Expect a risk-assessment request and, for larger shoots, a pre-filming meeting.