A significant redevelopment project that will see over 2,500 residences constructed on a former gasworks site in west London has received approval.
The Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area will include 500 homes designated as affordable—comprising 342 for social rent and 158 at intermediate affordability. Although this figure falls short of the Kensington and Chelsea Council’s target of 35.7%, officials stated that it represents the highest feasible proportion.
Concerns were voiced by critics, including Historic England, regarding the proposed heights of the towers, some of which could reach 29 stories.
Council officials recognized that there would be some overshadowing of the Grade I-listed Kensal Green Cemetery and sections of the canal towpath, but they concluded that the overall benefits outweighed the potential drawbacks.
Jointly proposed by property development firm Ballymore and Sainsbury’s, the project is set to also incorporate office spaces, retail shops, a leisure facility, and a public park.
The initiative has elicited mixed responses, attracting over 1,800 objections alongside 1,673 letters of support, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
Among the objections were concerns about inadequate transport connections and possible contamination from the old gasworks site.
The hybrid scheme features detailed plans for segments of the site while providing a broad outline proposal for subsequent phases, outlining the foundational principles for future developments.
It entails the demolition of a Sainsbury’s supermarket, a petrol station, a car park, a community hub, and 16 social housing units that currently exist on the site.
The proposal is now set to be reviewed by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, who may either endorse the council’s approval or seek a more thorough examination of the application.
Michael Bach from the Kensington Society remarked, “After 15 years of effort, most issues remain unresolved or may not be addressed. This represents the largest planning application in our borough in six decades, and it’s just the beginning.”
Independent councillor Emma Dent Coad commented, “While we do need new housing in this area, this plan offers little solution to the dire housing shortages and poverty affecting our most disadvantaged wards.”
The council has indicated that the affordable housing component will be reassessed as the project develops.
However, Labour group leader Kasim Ali, who opposed the plan, stated, “This council has previously promised to listen and respect the views of our members and the community post-Grenfell. It’s time for the council to demonstrate real leadership instead of disregarding its own policies and ignoring local voices.”
During the planning meeting, independent councillor Toby Benton noted that the committee had been “strongly petitioned” by the applicants, highlighting that residents did not have the same level of access.
He later affirmed that he could still make a decision “with an open mind.”
Jon Roshier, a director at Rolfe Judd Planning and representing the applicants, expressed his team’s “immense satisfaction” at reaching this phase, describing Kensal Canalside as “the largest housing delivery site within the borough and pivotal to addressing housing demand.”
A local business owner endorsed the project, stating, “The land has been vacant for as long as I can recall, so why not utilize it and create something special for North Kensington?”
Following the decision, reactions of “shame” and “disgrace” were heard from the audience.
After the meeting, Mr. Husband, who chaired the committee, remarked, “The number of homes is quite substantial within the context of our borough, and ultimately the public benefits outweighed the disadvantages.”
John Mulryan, group managing director at Ballymore, added that the development would be “transformative, not just for the future residents but for thousands in the surrounding community.”
