Lost opportunity for affordable housing on Odeon site

8.22.00pm GMT Wed 5th Dec 2007

Merlene Emerson blamed Council's "depressing lack of imagination"

Merlene Emerson, the Liberal Democrat candidate for the West Central constituency on the London Assembly, has called Kensington & Chelsea Council's unanimous decision to grant planning permission for the redevelopment of the Odeon Kensington a "tragically missed opportunity" for key workers and others on a fixed income.

Merlene said: "Northacre, the developers, said they couldn't fit any affordable housing into this glittering new luxury development so the 30 affordable housing units which they must provide by law will now be occupied off-site.

"This is a tragically missed opportunity for creating a mixed and cohesive community in the heart of Kensington." Key workers such as nurses and teachers, and people on a fixed-income may now be located into the North of the Borough where the land is cheaper.

She continued:

"The developer claims that the site has room for a new cinema, a seven-bedroom townhouse, a seven-bedroom penthouse flat, and thirty-eight other luxury homes but no space at all for any affordable housing. The Council - including the Labour councillors who are supposed to hold the Tory majority to account - have unanimously accepted this logic.

"It shows a depressing lack of imagination on behalf of the Council. Liberal Democrats have no problem with new-build luxury homes - in fact we would welcome them as part of a joined-up planning process which improves the cityscape for all residents. But there is no space in this development for civic amenities and there will be very little greenery. Indeed, the original trees outside the Odeon are going to be felled to make room for the excavation."

The developers have twelve months from getting on-site to find sites for affordable housing in the nearby area. "If they fail to do this, they will be permitted to build the affordable housing further north towards the Westway," said Merlene. "This would be a blow for those of us who want to see West London break out of this enforced 'ghettoisation' of rich and poor."

The Lib Dems also point out that 15,000 signatures had been collected by local residents opposed to the development. "I congratulate residents who are at least celebrating the victory of being able to restore and keep the iconic façade of the original building as part of the new development," said Merlene. "But there are serious implications for local accountability when a petition this large can be brushed over with barely a mention at the Major Planning Development Committee in the Town Hall in Kensington on Tuesday."

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