By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter
The proposal for a major West London development has received more than 400 objections.
Residents and neighbourhood societies across Kensington and Chelsea (KC) and Hammersmith and Fulham (HF) cited concerns about the impact of building 4,000 new homes in Earl’s Court on local infrastructure and transport links.
Some 345 letters of objection were sent to KC council while 57 were sent to HF council, the two local authorities responsible for approving the scheme.
The hybrid application was open to public consultation from September to late November, though HF said they would continue to accept comments up until a decision had been made on the application.
The scheme, which is being proposed by the developer, Earls Court Development Company (ECDC), also received 157 letters of support. Among the issues raised by residents was a proposal to install a new cycle lane along Warwick Road.
One resident wrote: “The traffic already as it is needs to be seen to be believed. Buses hardly move, in fact people hop off the bus here and walk, having to cross the very fast dangerous A road, thinking it’s quicker. What about ambulances that use this road too? I love cycling myself but I strongly object to adding this lane to one of the most contested thoroughfares in London.”
Another wrote: “Wow whose brain thought that having a cycle [lane] would not cause more congestion on Warwick Road? This is ludicrous.”
A third said the development would ‘overwhelm’ an already dense neighbourhood and its infrastructure, such as roads, Tube station and sewerage network and lead to a loss of privacy.
A group of societies, including the Kensington Society and the London Forum, also wrote in, opposing the development. They claimed the large increase in homes would result in high service charges and over-population. They also said the new buildings would lead to a significant loss of natural daylight for residents of Philbeach Gardens, Eardley Crescent, Lillie Road, West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates and the West Cromwell Road.
Rebekah Paczek, director of public affairs with ECDC, said the company’s masterplan had been through numerous iterations after receiving community feedback. She said the development would deliver 20 acres of public realm and open space including a 4.5-acre urban park and community gardens.
She also said cultural venues and pop-up spaces being built would bring the site to life along with jobs and workspace and create ‘an Earl’s Court for everyone’.
“Earl’s Court is a 44-acre, largely derelict urban brownfield site with three Tube stations and an Overground train line. If we cannot build the homes London desperately needs here – where can homes be built?”
It is a view shared by supporters. One said: “Earl’s Court is rundown and in desperate need of these new buildings and I fully support them.” Another said: “London is in the midst of a housing crisis and it is ridiculous for a major site like that at Earl’s Court not to be developed.”
A third said it would make Earl’s Court a more pleasant place to live. The plans have also received the support from local charities and businesses groups.
The masterplan for the 40-acre former Exhibition Centre site was first revealed by ECDC in early 2023 after two years of planning. If approved, the first phase will consist of 1,000 homes, a cultural centre, workspace and 20 acres of public realm.
A total of 4,000 new homes are expected to be built once the development is complete, with 35 per cent being affordable.
Cem Kemahli, KC councillor and lead member for planning and public realm, said he was ‘very keen’ to see a development that helps breath life back into the area.
He said: “The planning process is under way and I see it as positive that so many people care about their community and have given their views on the application. Many of their objections include positive improvements that could be incorporated and our officers will now fully review the application and all the representations that we had in the consultation.”
Pictured top: CGI of proposed Earl’s Court redevelopment (Picture: ECDC)