Controversial plans to upgrade the Pimlico District Heat Undertaking (PDHU) will be 'thoroughly reviewed' by Westminster Council, a move welcomed by residents after months of fierce campaigning against proposals from the previous Labour administration. The 70-year-old heat network, which provides heating and hot water to over 3,000 homes and commercial properties, has become unreliable, leading to frequent leaks and costly repairs.
Council commits to review
The council says the review will focus on finding the most reliable and affordable solution for the PDHU, and it remains committed to leading the decommissioning of the heat network. In November, residents claimed victory after the council halted upgrade plans following months of complaints. Locals feared they would face huge bills to fix the unreliable system, with estimates suggesting leaseholders of four-bedroom flats could be asked to pay over £66,000. The council said these figures were estimates only.
Campaign group demands inclusion
Campaign group Pimlico Unites has now called on the council to ensure residents are included in any future consultations. Hilary Golding, representing the group, said: 'Pimlico Unites welcomes the new administration's decision to review its plans and consider a wider range of options, including local estate-based and in-flat solutions that residents have long supported. However, we were not contacted before this announcement and only learned about it when it was made public. If this review is to be different from what came before, that must change.'
She added: 'Many residents felt excluded from the previous consultation process. To rebuild trust, council officers must involve residents from the start. We are calling on the council to work directly with Pimlico Unites and the existing Resident Working Group and Resident Technical Working Group throughout the review, not simply ask for comments after decisions have already been made. We look forward to working constructively to find solutions that are reliable, affordable and supported by the community.'
Next steps
The council has said it will consider all realistic options for the failing heat network. Findings will be considered by a Policy and Scrutiny Task Group in the coming months, with residents receiving regular updates. Councillor David Harvey, Cabinet Member for Housing and Regeneration, stated: 'Understandably there is a huge amount of community interest in the future of heating and hot water services currently provided through the PDHU. This review will help us look carefully at residents’ concerns, reassess work undertaken to date, and ensure our approach is focused on the needs of people’s homes, blocks and estates.'
He added: 'Our starting point is not how to preserve the existing system. Instead, our objective is simple: to identify the most reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy source. We will consider a wider range of options, including whether more local, block and estate-based approaches could provide better outcomes. If we’re going to get this project right, we’ll need the confidence of our residents. That’s why we’re taking the time to conduct a thorough review, working with and listening to the community to help us find the best solution.'
