Why are the Earl's Court development plans getting so many objections from locals?

Local residents have expressed strong concerns about the new cycle lane proposed along Warwick Road, fearing it will exacerbate existing traffic congestion and safety issues. One resident articulated their frustration, stating, '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.' This highlights the broader anxiety regarding infrastructure changes without adequate consideration for existing traffic conditions.

Despite widespread objections, some support exists for the Earl's Court development, with voices calling for rejuvenation in a neglected area. Supporters argue that sprucing up the 'run down' area aligns with the urgent demand for housing in London. However, concern remains about the affordability of these new homes; only 35 percent of the promised 4,000 units are designated as affordable, raising questions of accessibility amidst the housing crisis.

ECDC representatives assert the necessity of the development by stating, '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?' This emphasizes the strategic importance of the site in addressing the city's housing shortages, countering the opposition's sentiments about the potential negative impacts.

Local and city-wide organizations, including the Kensington Society and London Forum, have voiced their opposition to the Earl's Court development, raising concerns about the impact on local services and amenities due to a projected population increase. There are fears that the planned high-rise towers will restrict daylight to surrounding properties and create wind tunnels, which residents worry will affect the quality of life in the area.

Read at Time Out London