North London Residents Demand Mayor Khan Intervene in Ladbroke Grove Gasworks Redevelopment
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is facing mounting pressure from North London residents and political figures to intervene and halt the approved redevelopment of the former gasworks site at Ladbroke Grove. The Canal Way project, also known as Kensal Canalside, has sparked intense controversy over fears it will unleash "a decade of problems" for neighbouring boroughs, particularly Brent.
Development Plans and Approval Process
The scheme, jointly submitted by developer Ballymore and Sainsbury's, aims to transform the disused gasworks site at the northern end of Ladbroke Grove into a 2,500-home development. Despite significant opposition, Kensington and Chelsea councillors granted approval in November. The plans include:
- 2,519 new homes, with 500 designated as affordable (342 at social rent, 158 at intermediate rates)
- Office space, a healthcare facility, nursery or creche, restaurants, and a leisure centre
- A neighbourhood centre, public park, and other community amenities
The current site houses a Sainsbury's, petrol station, car park, community hub, and 16 social homes, all slated for demolition.
Public Health and Environmental Concerns
Stakeholders, including residents, London Assembly Members, and local political parties, have written to Mayor Khan urging immediate action. They argue the development's consequences "will fall squarely and severely on the residents of Queen’s Park ward in Brent." Key concerns include:
- Public health risks from exposure to airborne toxins from the contaminated gasworks site
- Increased traffic congestion and pressure on local road networks
- Potential environmental damage to Grade 1 Listed Kensal Green Cemetery
- Inadequate infrastructure to support thousands of new residents
Judy Allen, a local resident and member of the Keep Kensal Green campaign, alleges the project will subject nearby communities to "15 years of noise, dust and chemical stench" and has vowed to pursue legal action while calling for mayoral intervention.
Political Opposition and Calls for Review
Liberal Democrat Assembly Member Hina Bokhari OBE recently wrote to Mayor Khan requesting he "ensure a fair decision is made." When a development is referred to the Mayor, he can either let the council's decision stand, refuse it, or call it in for further review. The Queen’s Park Liberal Democrats have accused authorities of dangerously downplaying environmental and public health risks, demanding an independent assessment of hazardous gases and toxic contaminants on the site.
The group emphasized: "With thousands of Brent residents, including children, older people, and those with chronic respiratory conditions living immediately adjacent to the site, the absence of rigorous safeguards is indefensible."
Developer Response and Contamination Assessments
Ballymore has defended the project, with Group Managing Director John Mulryan describing it as "an exemplar project" that will turn a complex brownfield site into a thriving community. The developer emphasizes that land contamination matters were scrutinized by the council’s Land Contamination Officer and reviewed within the Environmental Statement. Extensive testing, including desk-based and intrusive ground investigations, has been conducted in line with Environment Agency guidance.
Mulryan added: "Kensal Canalside will bring thousands of jobs, a new high street, leisure spaces - all of which will be game changing not just for the people who’ll move here, but for thousands of residents in the wider community."
Infrastructure and Sustainability Worries
Opponents have raised additional concerns about inadequate transport links, overwhelmed GP surgeries, and insufficient green space. They argue that adding thousands of new residents without firm commitments to expand essential services shows "a reckless disregard for long-term sustainability and for the wellbeing of existing communities."
The Liberal Democrat group stated: "Air pollution and congestion in Queen’s Park are already acute. The project would worsen them dramatically for more than a decade. Our community cannot be expected to absorb such prolonged disruption."
Mayor's Office Response and Next Steps
The Mayor’s office has confirmed receipt of the letter and expects to respond within weeks. A spokesperson noted: "The timing of the referral for the stage 2 consideration is very much up to Kensington and Chelsea Council... As part of the Stage 2 referral, the Mayor will take into account all representations received from politicians and residents, in addition to a detailed assessment of the proposal by GLA planning officers."
With construction estimated to take 11-12 years, the debate over the Canal Way development highlights the ongoing tension between London's housing needs and community concerns about health, infrastructure, and environmental protection.
