Transformation of gasworks into 2,500 homes approved

SITE HAD DRAWN SIGNIFICANT OPPOSITION OVER AFFORDABLE HOUSING LEVELS

- By BEN LYNCH Local democracy reporter

KENSINGTON and Chelsea councillors have approved plans to transform a former gasworks site into a new 2,500-home development.

Most members attending the November 11 planning committee voted in-favour of the scheme, jointly filed by developer Ballymore and Sainsbury's, despite what was a significant effort from objectors.

It will now go to the Mayor of London Sir Sadiq Khan to decide whether to agree with the council or call it in for his own consideration.

John Mulryan, group managing director at Ballymore, said the scheme “will be game changing not just for the people who'll move here, but for thousands of residents in the wider community”.

The application for the site on Canal Way, known as the Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area (KCOA), is to deliver office space, a healthcare facility, nursery or creche, restaurants, a leisure centre, a neighbourhood centre as well as a public park, plus the homes. Of the 2,519 planned, 500 are to be 'affordable', split between 342 at social rent and 158 at the intermediate rate.

While far below the 35.7 per cent threshold set by the council, officers deemed the number to be the maximum viable. Reviews of the figure are to be carried out as the work progresses.

A hybrid scheme, it consists of detailed development plans and an 'outline, which allows for decisions to be made on the general principles of how the site can be built up.

The location is currently a disused gasworks site consisting of a Sainsbury’s, a petrol station, car park, community hub and 16 social homes, all of which will be demolished to make way for the development.

According to planning documents, the proposal has received significant feedback, with more than 1,800 objections and 1,673 letters of support.

Those opposed claim the development lacks decent transport links and that its scale, with towers up to 29 storeys tall, is of concern.