Earls Court plan set for second approval

Plans to demolish the Earls Court exhibition centre and redevelop the area over the next 20 years are set to be approved by a second council tonight.

The £8 billion scheme submitted by developer Capital & Counties straddles two boroughs and has been approved by Hammersmith & Fulham council.

Its decision is the subject of a legal challenge from residents of two council estates which would be demolished.

In Kensington and Chelsea, where 930 homes would be built, council officials said the application complied with the London Plan and “provides appropriate and proportionate measures to mitigate the impact of the loss of the exhibition centre on businesses and employment”.

However, they added that the scheme “will generate a demand on existing social infrastructure”.

Local resident Sandra Yarwood said: “I am urging our councillors to reject these proposals. Get this wrong and west London and its economy could be blighted for generations to come.”

Project director Gary Yardley said: “Throughout the planning process we have undertaken significant consultation and openly engaged with the community and various interested groups.”