Major development greenlit despite concerns

"A major redevelopment which will see more than 2,500 homes built on a former gasworks site in west London has been approved. Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area will see 500 classed as affordable with 342 at social rent and 158 at an intermediate rate. Although below Kensington and Chelsea Council's 35.7% target, officers said it was the maximum viable level."

"Critics, including Historic England, had raised concerns about the height of the proposed towers, some of which would reach 29 storeys. Council officers acknowledged some overshadowing of the Grade I-listed Kensal Green Cemetery and parts of the canal towpath but said the benefits outweighed the harms. The project, jointly submitted by property development company Ballymore and Sainsbury's, will also see offices, shops, a leisure centre and a public park built."

"It had received a mixed reaction with more than 1,800 objections and 1,673 letters of support submitted, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports. The objections also included concerns about limited transport links and potential contamination from the disused gasworks. The hybrid scheme includes detailed plans for parts of the site and an outline proposal for the rest, setting out the principles for future phases."

Kensal Canalside will be redeveloped on a former gasworks site in west London to deliver more than 2,500 homes alongside offices, shops, a leisure centre and a public park. Five hundred homes will be classed as affordable, including 342 at social rent and 158 at an intermediate rate, below the council's 35.7% target but judged the maximum viable level. Some proposed towers would reach 29 storeys, prompting concerns about heritage and overshadowing of the Grade I-listed Kensal Green Cemetery and canal towpath. The scheme requires demolition of a Sainsbury's supermarket, petrol station, car park, community hub and 16 social homes. The application drew over 1,800 objections and 1,673 letters of support and now awaits review by the Mayor of London, who can endorse or call in the proposal.

Read at www.bbc.com