400 Neighbours Express Discontent Over Earl’s Court Redevelopment Plans
Over 400 residents have voiced their concerns about the Earl’s Court redevelopment, fearing it will strain local infrastructure and transport.
Earl’s Court, London, Housing, Development, Community
London: The Earl’s Court redevelopment plan is stirring up quite a bit of drama. Over 400 locals have raised their voices against it, and it’s easy to see why. They’re worried about the impact of adding 4,000 new homes on the area’s already stretched infrastructure and transport links.
Most of the objections came from Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham. Residents sent in 345 letters to the Kensington council and 57 to Hammersmith. The public consultation ran from September to late November, but Hammersmith is still accepting comments until a decision is made.
The developer, Earls Court Development Company, has received some support too, with 157 letters backing the project. But many locals are concerned about plans for a new cycle lane on Warwick Road. One resident pointed out how congested the traffic already is, saying it’s so bad that people often hop off buses and walk instead.
Another resident questioned the logic of adding a cycle lane, calling it “ludicrous.” They fear the development will overwhelm the neighborhood, affecting everything from roads to the Tube station and even the sewer system.
Groups like the Kensington Society have also voiced their opposition, arguing that the influx of new homes could lead to high service charges and overcrowding. They worry about losing natural light in nearby areas too.
On the flip side, Rebekah Paczek from ECDC insists they’ve listened to community feedback and made changes. She highlights plans for parks and community spaces, aiming to create a vibrant area with jobs and cultural venues.
Supporters of the project argue that Earl’s Court is in dire need of development. They believe it could help tackle London’s housing crisis and make the area more livable. The first phase of the project would include 1,000 homes and a cultural center, with a total of 4,000 homes planned, 35% of which would be affordable.
Cem Kemahli, a local councillor, is keen to see a development that revitalizes the area. He appreciates the community’s engagement and believes many objections could lead to positive changes in the proposal.
It’s clear that this redevelopment is a hot topic, and the discussions are far from over.