Earls Court demolition plans approved
Plans for the demolition of the iconic Earls Court have been approved by the London boroughs of Hammersmith & Fulham and Kensington & Chelsea.
Campaigners for the retention of the venue had hopes of a reprieve after Labour, who took control of Hammersmith and Fulham council in the June local elections, pledged a review of the approval for the scheme process.
During a meeting held behind closed doors recently, Hammersmith and Fulham planning officers used delegated powers to approve the specific demolition and waste management plans.
The Earls Court scheme, led by owner Capital & Counties Properties, has been in the planning system since 2011.
Last summer, the government chose not to call-in the approved scheme for a public enquiry, removing potentially the biggest legislative challenge the scheme could face.
The £8bn plans promise to create 7,500 homes, 10,000 jobs and bring £450 million in community benefits and improvements to the local area, including new roads, schools, health centres and transport improvements.
Despite strong opposition from community members and the Association of Event Organisers the demolition of this historic venue seems ever more imminent.