EARLS COURT GEARS UP TO CONTEST PICKLES DECISION
Hot on the heels of the announcement that Eric Pickles, Minister for Communities and Local Government and his Planning Under Secretary Nick Boles, would be supporting Boris Johnsons’ decision to allow the Earls Court Masterplan to proceed unchecked, the impacted communities have been swift to react.
Councillor Linda Wade said :
‘Despite the fact that campaigners had clearly outlined the negative impact on local residents, on hoteliers, on small business owners as well as on commuters and tourists, the Minister has dismissed all concerns. Moreover Eric Pickles' decision not to call in the planning applications for the Earl's Court and West Kensington Opportunity Area and not to have a transparent public inquiry has been announced during the summer holidays whereas the Save Earl's Court campaign had been led to believe that his decision would be announced in September’.
It seems that the creation of a 25 year 77acre building site in the midst of W London’s major arterial traffic routes, the demolition of an iconic building which generates billions per annum to the national economy, the excavation and flattening of the Lillie Bridge Depot and the large scale impact on local residents’ and traders’ quality of life for communities in both Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea are deemed to meet a ‘no significant impact’ criteria.
Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith said :
West Ken and Earl's Court residents didn't expect Eric Pickles to do them any favours, developers always come before communities with this Government. But it has given us time to prepare a legal challenge to the planning consent which the Councils will now sign off. In fact, the slipshod way this decision has been made may give us another way of defeating the development. The Secretary of State says he will not to call in the planning application because it will not affect economic growth or housing needs, go wider than a single local authority or give rise to national controversy. It is a matter of fact that this scheme does all of this. It is the largest development under consideration in London, with an £8 billion value, almost no affordable housing and spanning two London boroughs. Not allowing a Public Inquiry may be unlawful as well as undemocratic.'
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has clearly not listened to national and local businesses; to MPs; to residents in both LBHF and RBKC; to the Musicians' Union and others who appreciate our cultural heritage. Neither has he listened to the 6,000 people who petitioned him; to the Association of Event Organisers who represent the Exhibition Industry as a whole; to the RMT and UNITE unions who represent the Lillie Bridge Depot workers and who have both come out in support of local businesses and residents; nor to the tenants of the West Kensington and Gibbs Green estates who face a very uncertain future.
Is this a done deal now? The answer is NO!
The Save Earl's Court campaign will fight on with the help of both the RMT and UNITE the Union; the Association of Event Organisers and the many people who support our campaign.
On hearing of the Secretary of State's decision, Steve Hedley, Assistant General Secretary of the RMT said this morning: "The RMT will continue to give its full support and assistance to the Save Earl's Court campaign".
Colenzo Jarrett-Thorpe, UNITE's Regional Industrial Officer said this afternoon. "UNITE the Union's commitment to the Save Earl's Court campaign continues. Solidarity! "
On hearing about Pickles' decision, local resident for over 40 years and renowned artist Duggie Fields said:
"Nothing surprising and certainly laughable to read that it has been 'carefully considered'........but then it is being 'considered' by people who can't think of consequences beyond the instant money fix that they are so dazzled by. The impact on the wider community is something that they refuse to consider, leaving the mess created for the future when they won't be around to be held responsible. Arrogant, un-principled, short-termism. Nothing new, and currently happening all over London now under this foolish regime."
When coupled with the recent revelations about the Mayor and Government’s lack of understanding or awareness about the urgent need to re-visit Southbank building plans in order to safeguard the international heritage status of the Houses of Parliament, it must be asked – are these people fit to govern?
ENDS
The Earl’s Court Area Action Group is not aligned to any particular party or political movement and is comprised of:
The Association of Event Organisers
The Friends of Brompton Cemetery
West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates residents
Residents of Earl's Court and North End Wards
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