A transformative plan to create a vast new district in West London has taken a crucial step forward, with the first of two major applications to build thousands of homes around Earl's Court receiving unanimous approval.
Unanimous Green Light for West London Regeneration
In a significant decision, Hammersmith and Fulham Council's Planning and Development Committee voted unanimously on November 26 to approve its portion of the colossal scheme. This approval covers roughly half of the overall project, paving the way for the construction of approximately 2,500 homes on a long-derelict 40-acre brownfield site. The developer, the Earl's Court Development Company (ECDC), has ambitiously labelled the project as the creation of a "new district" for West London.
The second part of the application, which falls within the neighbouring Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, is still under consideration, with a decision expected in December. Together, the two applications form a proposed £10 billion scheme aiming to deliver a new 4,000-home neighbourhood.
Beyond Housing: Jobs, Culture and Green Space
The vision for Earl's Court extends far beyond residential units. The masterplan promises substantial community benefits, including 2.5 million square feet of workspace, the creation of up to 12,000 new jobs, and a variety of cultural venues. The project also includes a strong environmental focus, with plans to plant more than 1,000 trees and support the council's Upstream London industrial strategy.
Rob Heasman, Chief Executive of ECDC, stated that the designs pay homage to the area's legacy, describing them as "truly reflective of Earls Court's heritage as a place that dared – to showcase, to entertain and celebrate the spectacular."
Community Response and Detailed Plans
The council received a total of 391 representations from the public regarding the plans. While the majority (269) were in support, 74 objections were filed, primarily concerning the height and density of the proposed buildings, including a 42-storey tower, as well as impacts on local heritage and the level of housing provision.
The approved application is a hybrid, containing both detailed and outline proposals. The detailed elements include the construction of four buildings reaching up to 42 storeys tall, which will provide 456 homes and 696 student rooms, alongside various food, drink, and retail spaces. Outline approval was also granted for up to 2,044 additional homes, older persons’ housing, and facilities such as community spaces, a cinema, and a live music venue.
In terms of affordability, 35 per cent of the housing will be earmarked as affordable. While this is below the council's 50 per cent target, officers confirmed this figure was independently assessed as the "maximum reasonable provision."
The full regeneration of the site, which has been largely unused since the demolition of the Earl's Court Exhibition Centres between 2015 and 2017, is expected to be complete by early 2043.
