A new housing development planned for the land occupied by the Earl’s Court Exhibition Centre until its demolition a decade ago has not proved popular with nearby residents.
Sadiq Khan’s vision of building 80,000 more homes in London each year would be bolstered by the success of the scheme ran by the Earl’s Court Development Company (ECDC),
The plans to build 4,000 new homes, 35% of which would be affordable housing, would contribute to the Labour government’s target of 80,000 per year and be eligible for Sadiq Khan’s fast-track planning scheme, aimed at speeding up house-building in the capital.
But the £10 million project’s sprawling expanse also counts against it – with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea and Hammersmith and Fulham Councils receiving around 200 letters of objection each from residents concerned about its proximity to their back gardens.
Locals are particularly concerned about the housing development’s visual impact – especially the two proposed skyscrapers, one of which would sit 42 storeys high.
One person described the building’s height and modern design as “a monstrosity”, while others admitted fears that it would “transform [the area] into a mineral glass and concrete city with no character” and “destroy existing neighbourhoods”.
Complaints from civic groups including the Kensington, Hammersmith and Earls Court Societies also count against the application – which has received only around 135 letters of support since it was submitted in July.
One resident who has lived in the area for 23 years said they were worried about the development’s impact on local infrastructure including the “tube station and surrounding roads [which] are already at capacity” and risk “dangerous overcrowding during peak hours”.
Meanwhile, another described the proposed design as “too big and not … in line with the other buildings in the area”.
Hamish Adourian, ward councillor for Earl’s Court, said it was important not to “hurtle towards development without ensuring the proposals are the right fit”.
“For decades, the Exhibition Centre was a renowned landmark, hosting global events, exhibitions and concerts that brought vibrancy, footfall and a sense of pride to the area,” he added.
“Its demolition marked the end of an area and left a profound void – both physically and culturally – for our community.
“While times have undoubtedly changed, and few are calling for a simple reinstation of the old exhibition centre, the loss remains a poignant reminder of the need for thoughtful planning and bold vision.
“The scale, design and approach must be carefully considered to avoid irreversible missteps that could alienate residents and disrupt the character of Earl’s Court.”
The CGI designs included in the planning application have also been criticised for their appearance – with Linda Wade, a Liberal Democrat councillor at RBKC describing one tower as “a bad pastiche of the Thirties, with something that looks like the White Witch from Narnia’s headpiece on top”.
“In Earl’s Court, many of the businesses relied on the exhibition centre,” she told The Telegraph. “Where we’ve arrived today is very much a reflection of developers taking the lead on urban planning, rather than local authorities being able to identify needs.”
Ms Wade also highlighted concerns that the flats would outprice many and become empty investment projects for the wealthy – a trend already underway in other parts of London, where skyrise blocks average £1 million.
“We should target homes that match the need [for] a living community,” Ms Wade said, “rather than a landscaped wasteland.”
The ECDC describes the development as a mass of “residential swellings, purpose-built student accommodation, assisted living, workspace, culture, community retail and leisure facilities alongside high quality public realm and open spaces”.
“It will be a neighbourhood designed for all stages of life with a landscape-led development,” a spokesperson added.
The scheme will have to be approved by both boroughs before it can go ahead, with developers hoping to gain planning approval in 2025 and begin construction in 2026.
The final say may go to Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, however, who spoke against the affording housing proposals of a previous proposal but has put his weight behind the newest version of the plans.
