Campaigners prepare legal action over Kensal Green gasworks development

Legal action is being prepared by campaigners against St William's plans to build 789 homes on the former Kensal Green Gasworks site. The Keep Kensal Green Campaign has outlined a series of concerns, including the potential for airborne toxins, the risk of unexploded bombs from the Blitz, and the transport of toxic waste through residential areas.

Contamination fears

Campaigners argue that harmful chemicals such as cyanide, benzene, and asbestos, present in the ground, could be released into the atmosphere during the development. Jude Allen of Keep Kensal Green stated that evidence from other developments by the same parent company, Berkeley Group, suggests residents have reported health impacts. The group has suggested the installation of a protective dome over the site to mitigate health risks to surrounding neighbourhoods.

The developer, St William, a partnership between Berkeley Group and National Grid, submitted its application for the site on 25 July 2025. The developers and Kensington and Chelsea Borough Council maintain that the site has undergone comprehensive assessment in line with the Environment Agency's Land Contamination Risk Management guidance. The council stated that objectors had the opportunity to address the Planning Committee directly and that their concerns were considered before planning permission was granted, subject to a Section 106 legal agreement and referral to the Mayor of London.

Transport of toxic waste

A significant concern for campaigners is the proposed method for removing contaminated soil. They estimate that over 100 lorries per day will transport toxic waste along Harrow Road during the 10-12 year development period. Jude Allen described this as 'horrendous', stating that residents could inhale substances like benzene and naphthalene, leading to short-term effects such as headaches and nausea.

Neighbouring borough concerns

Councillor Barbara Want, a Liberal Democrat representing a neighbouring ward in Brent, has also voiced significant concerns. She highlighted the genuine fear among residents regarding potential toxic gas release, with some parents considering moving away. Councillor Want questioned the assurances given, referencing the documentary 'Toxic Town' and stating that history shows trusting councils or contractors does not guarantee safety. She noted that contaminated soil is reportedly to be transported through the Borough of Brent, prompting her to raise concerns about the development's approval.

Broader development plans

Beyond environmental issues, the Keep Kensal Green group also has concerns regarding traffic impacts, the potential presence of unexploded bombs, the effect on the listed Kensal Green Cemetery, and a perceived lack of affordable housing. Separately, Ballymore's Project Flourish development on the same former gasworks site is planned to include 2,519 homes, with 500 designated as affordable, alongside public parks and biodiversity gains.

The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea confirmed that planning permission was granted, subject to the completion of a Section 106 legal agreement and referral to the Mayor of London. The council stated that a range of planning conditions and obligations have been imposed to ensure appropriate controls and mitigation measures.