An MP has warned allowing the London Mayor to control major redevelopment around a proposed HS2 and Crossrail hub could result in ‘social cleansing’.
Labour’s Andy Slaughter spoke in the House of Commons on Monday (Mar 28) about his concerns over Boris Johnson’s decision to set up a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to control proposals to create 24,000 homes and 55,000 jobs around the rail interchange at Old Oak Common, due to be constructed by 2026.
The Corporation – similar to the body which managed the Olympic regeneration of Stratford – would take all planning and funding decisions away from Hammersmith and Fulham Council, as well as Brent and Ealing which share the 195-acre semi-derelict site north of Wormwood Scrubs.
Mr Johnson said: “By working with the three local authorities, we will be able to best maximise this once-in-lifetime opportunity to spark widespread economic and social regeneration to a part of the city that is in desperate need of major improvement.”
Mr Slaughter, who represents Hammersmith, said he welcomed plans to regenerate this poor part of the borough but only if the scheme included sufficient affordable housing and did not affect wildlife in the historic Scrubs .
He said: “I support the regeneration but there is so much uncertainty about it and opposition within the Government.
“Why are we giving these draconian powers to the Mayor of London which aren’t necessary?
“This is going to be the biggest regeneration of west London – bigger than Earls Court and White City – but what is the benefit to local people if the homes aren’t affordable?”
Conservative council leader Nicholas Botterill insisted the development would include ‘lots of types of housing’ including ‘a high percentage’ of affordable homes.
He added: “This development is wider than just a borough making decisions. You have to be very careful why you would set up a corporation like this.
“This is quite a diverse area with diverse issues. We are best placed then by having a bigger body involved to manage the regeneration.
“That does not mean this borough is written out of the script, and we will be fighting to get the biggest representation we can, but we have to accept compromises will have to be made.”
Labour-controlled Brent and Ealing councils both welcomed investment in the area but revealed concerns about the MDC.
Ealing Council leader Julian Bell said: “We are concerned with the plans as they currently stand and believe some changes are needed.”
