Requesting a bench

How to request a bench on the pavement

To request a bench to be placed on the pavement in a specific location, please follow the guidance below. The proposed location will be assessed for suitability.

Please note we do not have allocated funds for new benches at the moment, so we are only accepting applications for sponsored benches.

Procedure for processing requests for benches

Requests for new benches 

Note: This process excludes benches which require planning permission.

When a request is received to place a bench in a specific location, the applicant would be required to provide their:

• name and address
• the reason why the bench is required at that location, for example, a disability which means they have a need sit down at regular intervals.  

The location will be assessed for suitability.  When assessing the suitability, the following information would be considered:

• whether a request for a bench at the same location has been made previously and the outcome, i.e was it refused?
• the immediate area around which the bench is proposed.  Benches will not be placed in front of windows or doors of residential premises or shops, or outside schools
• whether there is another bench/bus shelter nearby

We also assess whether there is sufficient pavement width to place a bench. For this we use the same criteria as for placing tables and chairs on the highway, as set out in the Transport Supplementary Planning Document. The standards relate to the width of footway that must be left clear of obstacles so that pedestrians can pass without being obstructed.

Summary of standards

A minimum of two metres must be left clear to allow pedestrians, prams and wheelchairs to pass without difficulty. In areas with high pedestrian flows the ‘clear’ footway would need to be more than two metres. Where a site is within a principal shopping centre, i.e. areas considered to be busy, a minimum of four metres is required. Where an area is considered to be of medium usage a minimum of three metres clear pavement width is required. 

We also assess:

• hether the bench can be physically installed, i.e it would not be placed over a cellar. This would be checked by consulting the Highways Team. 
• whether the bench is acceptable to the Community Safety team, i.e any history of anti-social behaviour near the location proposed.

Once the location requested has been assessed, if it does not meet the Council’s criteria, the person making the request would be informed.

If the request for a new bench meets the Council’s criteria, the details of the request would be added to a list.  All requests which have met the criteria would be looked at during February, June and October and, should the likely cost of approving all the request exceed our budget, they would be prioritised based on need:

• the number of requests that have been made for a bench at a specific location
• whether there are no other benches or anywhere to sit in the vicinity of the bench requested
• disability of the person making the request or there is a need to sit down, e.g. near a bus stop
• if there are several requests for benches at locations which are fairly close together we would look for the location that would satisfy the most needs

Requests for existing benches to be removed or relocated

The Council will consider a request to remove or relocate an existing bench only if it receives individual requests to do so from at least three households in the nearby area.

Consultation 

Ward councillors would be sent bench proposals being put forward for consultation for their comments. A site notice inviting comments would be erected near the proposed site. The notice would also be sent to resident associations in the ward. Six weeks would be given for providing comments on the bench proposed. This is the same public consultation process as is followed for traffic order changes.

Decision

If there are no objections at the end of the consultation period, the benches would be placed on the highway.  

If there are objections, the Director of Transport and Regulatory Services would consider these after consulting with the relevant ward councillors.

A list will be collated of requests that have been refused and the reasons why.

Sponsoring a bench on the pavement

We welcome contributions towards the cost of installing a new bench or sponsoring of an existing bench. The cost of purchasing a new bench or sponsoring an existing bench is £2,804.90 for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025.

We consult on the placing of benches and may have to remove them, so any acceptance of funding is under the condition that the final decision on the bench rests with the Council. If for any reason the bench does need to be removed, efforts will be made to relocate it in a nearby position but the Council retains the right to replace or permanently remove the bench if necessary, and the property rights to the bench will belong to the Council. 

Sponsorship will be on a first come, first serve basis, but we will endeavour to place the bench as close as possible to the sponsor’s preferred location. Sponsorship of a bench would mean that a small plaque would be placed on the bench which reads 'This bench has been sponsored by [name of sponsor].' 

If you are interested in sponsoring a bench please email [email protected], stating your interest and preferred location, if any. We will contact you with confirmation of the request and details on how to make the payment. 

Sponsoring a memorial bench in a park

If you would like to sponsor a memorial bench in a park managed by the Council, email [email protected].

See also: Donated benches in parks

Please note that Kensington Gardens is managed by the Royal Parks and not the Council.