Campaigners are demanding London Mayor Sadiq Khan step in and halt a major West London housing scheme, arguing the approved plans for 2,500 homes are "aimed at wealthy incomers" and fail local communities.
Controversial Approval for Gasworks Regeneration
The Kensal Canalside development, a joint venture by developer Ballymore and Sainsbury's, was given the green light by Kensington and Chelsea councillors in November 2025. The project promises to transform the disused gasworks site at the northern end of Ladbroke Grove.
Due to its size, the decision is set to be referred to the Mayor of London. Sir Sadiq Khan then has the power to let it stand, refuse it, or "call it in" for a detailed review. A coalition of objectors has now submitted six formal requests urging him to take the latter course.
Core Objections: Housing, Heritage and Process
Central to the controversy is the level of affordable housing. Of the 2,519 planned homes, only 500 are designated as affordable. This breaks down to 342 for social rent and 158 at intermediate rates.
Independent councillor for St Helen's ward, Emma Dent Coad, stated the 20% affordable provision is "well below" the 35-50% required by the London Plan and local policy. "The result is a scheme that fails to optimise affordable-housing delivery," she wrote in her submission.
Heritage concerns are also prominent. Objectors, including the Kensal House Residents Association, warn of harm to the setting of the Grade I-listed Kensal Green Cemetery, damage they claim would be irreversible.
Further submissions allege procedural issues, pointing out that a majority of supporting comments began with identical wording, which they argue is inconsistent with authentic public feedback.
Developer and Council Defence
A spokesperson for Ballymore defended the scheme, stating it will turn the site into "a thriving place full of character" delivering much-needed homes, thousands of jobs, and a £37 million annual boost to the local economy.
The plans include office space, a healthcare facility, nursery, restaurants, a leisure centre, and a public park alongside the homes.
Council leader Elizabeth Campbell called the approval a "major milestone," citing high housing demand in the borough. Planning committee chairman James Husband said the committee believed the significant public benefit outweighed the harms after almost three hours of consideration.
The Mayor of London's office has been approached for comment. With the referral pending, the future of the Kensal Canalside regeneration now rests on his strategic decision.
