Major Step Forward for Earl's Court Regeneration
Plans to transform the long-dormant Earl's Court site into a massive new neighbourhood with 4,000 homes are poised to take a significant step forward next week. Hammersmith and Fulham Council's planning officers have recommended approval for the section of the development within their borough, with a crucial committee vote scheduled for November 26.
Hybrid Application Details
The hybrid application before Hammersmith and Fulham Council includes both detailed and outline proposals for approximately half of the 40-acre brownfield site. The detailed elements feature four buildings reaching up to 42 storeys that would provide 456 homes and 696 student accommodation units, alongside food, drink and retail spaces.
Outline approval is being sought for up to 2,044 additional homes, older persons' housing, and various community facilities including a cinema and live music venue. The development promises to deliver 2.5 million square feet of workspace and create around 12,000 jobs, representing one of London's most significant regeneration projects.
Affordable Housing and Timeline
Of the total housing provision, 35% will be designated as affordable, though this falls short of the council's Local Plan target of 50%. Council officers have stated this figure has been independently assessed and represents "the maximum reasonable provision" given project constraints.
If approved, the development will be constructed in multiple phases, with further applications required to detail the outline proposals. The entire £10 billion scheme is expected to be complete by early 2043, marking a nearly two-decade transformation of the site that has stood largely empty since the exhibition centres were demolished between 2015 and 2017.
Community Response and Next Steps
The council received 376 representations regarding the plans, with 269 expressing support and 74 raising objections. Concerns focused on the height and density of buildings, design impacts on heritage, and the level of housing provision.
Local societies previously united to voice concerns about the development's density and lack of distinctive cultural attractions. However, the Earl's Court Development Company emphasises that ongoing community feedback has shaped the project since acquiring the land in 2019 for £425 million.
Due to the project's scale and its location spanning two boroughs, London Mayor Sadiq Khan retains the power to call in the application for final decision. The neighbouring section in Kensington and Chelsea awaits its own decision date, completing the picture for this transformative West London scheme.
