Plans for the major regeneration of North Fulham and Earls Court progressed after H&F Council reached a crucial agreement on Monday.
Plans for the major regeneration of North Fulham and Earls Court progressed after Hammersmith & Fulham (H&F) Council reached a crucial agreement on Monday night.
Cabinet members agreed to enter a Conditional Land Sale Agreement (CLSA) which would see more than £1billion worth of investment in the area.
The community is said to benefit from 9,500 permanent jobs and 8,000 new homes including 760 replacement council houses if planning permission is approved and the CSLA is signed.
Cllr Nicholas Botterill, leader of H&F Council, said: “This major regeneration could lead the way in lifting the country out of recession – ploughing hundreds of millions of pounds worth of investment into London’s economy and bringing thousands of new homes and jobs.”
A central part of Monday night’s discussions was the agreement to include the estates of West Kensington and Gibbs Green in the redevelopment of the Earls Court area following a recommendation to the council.
Residents of these estates have formed a steering group, chaired by Maureen Way, which has drawn up legally binding contracts should the CLSA be signed and planning permission given the green light.
These contracts include such promises for existing tenants as compensation, a brand new replacement home and the guarantee that residents will only have to move once until the redevelopment has finished.
Cllr Botterill said: “We have said all along that the major beneficiaries of this investment have to be the residents living on West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates, followed by the wider area, the borough and London as a whole.”
Despite an economic assessment which highlights community benefits of jobs, homes, a new school, local tube improvements, a leisure centre and park land – many residents remain wary of the proposals with 66% objecting to the council’s proposals.
Cllr Botterill added: “We know that many people living on the estates want new homes, while many other people have concerns.
“If the CLSA is signed we will continue to listen to people and do our very best to address those concerns.”
An outline planning application is due to be considered by H&F Council’s planning committee on September 12th.
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