Key Points
- Kensington and Chelsea Council approved its section of the Earl’s Court development on Tuesday, December 16, with a 4-0 vote in favour; Councillor Toby Benton abstained due to concerns over insufficient spaces and housing for local residents.
- This follows approval by neighbouring Hammersmith and Fulham Council for the portion within its boundaries.
- The overall project will deliver 4,000 homes, alongside leisure facilities including a cinema and community centre.
- Kensington and Chelsea’s section includes 1,400 homes, 95,000sqm of office floorspace, cultural venues, green spaces, a nursery, and food and drink units in the first phase.
- One remaining hurdle exists, though specifics are not detailed in initial reports.
- The development aims to transform the former Earl’s Court site in West London.
What Happened at the Kensington and Chelsea Planning Committee Meeting?
The Planning Committee meeting on Tuesday, December 16, saw the proposal pass smoothly. As detailed in the primary coverage by MyLondon, the vote stood at four in favour and zero against, with Councillor Toby Benton as the sole abstention.
As reported by the MyLondon article titled “Second part of 4,000-home West London development given green light – one hurdle remains,” Councillor Benton stated his concern that “the scheme would not deliver enough spaces and housing for local residents.” This abstention highlights ongoing debates about balancing large developments with community benefits, though it did not derail the approval.
No other councillors voiced opposition, indicating broad support within the committee. The meeting’s outcome was described as the proposal “sailing through,” reflecting a consensus on the project’s merits despite local sensitivities.
Which Council Approved the Development First?
fulham/hammersmith/">hammersmith-and-fulham/">Hammersmith and Fulham Council had already greenlit the section falling within its boundaries prior to Kensington and Chelsea’s decision. This sequential approval process is standard for cross-borough projects like Earl’s Court, which straddles multiple local authorities.
According to MyLondon‘s reporting, this prior endorsement from the neighbouring council set the stage for Kensington and Chelsea’s vote. The dual approvals now position the development for potential full implementation, pending the final hurdle.
Details on the exact date of Hammersmith and Fulham’s approval were not specified in the available sources, but it preceded the December 16 meeting, ensuring coordinated progress.
What Does the Overall Earl’s Court Development Include?
The Earl’s Court scheme promises a comprehensive transformation, delivering 4,000 homes alongside leisure facilities such as a cinema and community centre. As outlined in MyLondon‘s earlier coverage linked within the article, “Earl’s Court 4,000 homes development,” the project emphasises mixed-use regeneration.
For Kensington and Chelsea’s portion specifically, the plans encompass 1,400 homes, 95,000 square metres of office floorspace, and diverse amenities. These include new cultural venues, green spaces, a nursery, and food and drink units, particularly in the first phase.
The broader vision integrates residential, commercial, and recreational elements to revitalise the 41-acre site, formerly home to the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre and Olympia, which closed in 2014 and 2013 respectively. This scale addresses London’s housing crisis while fostering economic growth through offices and leisure options.
How Many Homes Will Kensington and Chelsea Receive?
Kensington and Chelsea’s approval covers 1,400 homes within its boundaries. This allocation forms a substantial part of the total 4,000 homes across the project.
As per MyLondon‘s detailed breakdown, these homes are integral to the first phase, complemented by supporting infrastructure like the nursery and retail units. The emphasis on local delivery responds to criticisms, such as Councillor Benton’s, about prioritising residents’ needs.
Projections suggest these homes could house thousands, contributing to borough targets amid West London’s acute affordability challenges.
What Amenities Are Planned Alongside the Homes?
Beyond housing, the development features extensive leisure and community facilities. A cinema and community centre anchor the leisure offerings, as highlighted in MyLondon‘s foundational report on the project.
Kensington and Chelsea’s section adds 95,000sqm of office space, cultural venues, and green spaces. The first phase prioritises practical amenities: a nursery for families and food and drink units to activate street-level vibrancy.
These elements aim to create a self-sustaining neighbourhood, blending work, living, and recreation. Green spaces are particularly noted for enhancing urban livability in a densely populated area.
What Is the Remaining Hurdle for the Project?
One final hurdle remains before full implementation, though specifics were not elaborated in the initial MyLondon coverage. This unresolved element tempers the celebrations following the council approvals.
Sources indicate it may involve higher-level planning permissions, environmental assessments, or appeals processes common to major developments. Developers and councils have not publicly detailed it, but its existence underscores that construction cannot commence immediately.
Monitoring from local stakeholders, including residents and Councillor Benton, will likely focus on this step to ensure transparency.
Why Is This Development Significant for West London?
The Earl’s Court project represents one of West London’s largest regenerations, addressing chronic housing shortages. With 4,000 homes, it could alleviate pressure in high-demand boroughs like Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham.
As a former exhibition hub, the site’s redevelopment shifts it from industrial past to modern mixed-use future. Economic benefits from offices and leisure facilities promise jobs and investment, while cultural venues and green spaces enrich community life.
Critics like Councillor Benton caution against insufficient local focus, but approvals suggest planners view it as a net positive. The project’s progress aligns with London’s broader housing strategies under the Greater London Authority.
Who Are the Key Players Involved?
Kensington and Chelsea Council leads locally, with its Planning Committee, including abstaining Councillor Toby Benton, at the forefront. Hammersmith and Fulham Council shares oversight for its section.
Developers, though not named in the MyLondon reports, are steering the vision, likely a consortium given the scale. MyLondon journalists provided the core coverage, linking to prior articles for context.
Residents and local groups represent the community voice, influencing through consultations that shaped the proposal.
What Concerns Have Been Raised by Locals and Councillors?
Councillor Toby Benton’s abstention crystallises key worries: inadequate spaces and housing tailored to locals. As quoted in MyLondon, he emphasised delivery shortfalls for residents.
Broader concerns in similar projects often include traffic, infrastructure strain, and affordable housing quotas—though specifics for Earl’s Court were not detailed beyond Benton’s remark. The smooth vote suggests these were addressed sufficiently for most committee members.
Ongoing engagement will be crucial as the final hurdle approaches.
When Will Construction Begin?
Construction timelines remain provisional pending the last hurdle. With both councils now on board, momentum builds, but no firm start date is confirmed in reports.
Phased rollout, starting with Kensington and Chelsea’s first-phase elements like the nursery and units, is implied. Full build-out for 4,000 homes could span years, typical for such ventures.
Updates from councils and developers will clarify progress.
How Does This Fit into London’s Housing Plans?
This approval bolsters London’s efforts to meet housing targets amid population growth. West London’s inclusion of 4,000 homes supports borough plans and the London Plan’s emphasis on brownfield regeneration.
It exemplifies cross-borough collaboration, vital for sites like Earl’s Court. Success here could model future projects, balancing density with amenities.
