London Mayor hopeful Sadiq Khan has said he will ask Transport for London (TfL) to review Crossrail 2 plans for Chelsea if he is elected in May.
In a letter written to parties campaigning both for and against the controversial station in King’s Road , the Labour candidate said it was “absolutely crucial that TfL takes resident’s views into account”, and that if elected, he would call for the government body to reexamine Imperial Wharf as a possible location for the station.
A spokesman for the Tooting MP stressed Mr Khan was neither coming out in favour or against the new station, but the news was nonetheless welcomed by the No Crossrail in Chelsea group which handed in a 10,000-name petition opposing the station earlier this year.
In his letter, Mr Khan expresses his support for the Crossrail 2 project and writes: “However, with all projects like this there are going to be disagreements about where best to site stations, and the disruption caused by construction works.
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“I know that in other areas along the route there are similar concerns at the siting of stations and the noise and upheaval from building works. That’s why it is absolutely crucial that TfL takes residents views into account, as well as ensuring the scheme is value for money for the taxpayer.
“The next Mayor will have to listen very carefully to the loud voices coming from local residents opposed to the current plans in Chelsea . If I am elected in May, I will ask TfL to review the plans and what can be done to minimise the impact on the local community. In addition, I will ask them to look again at the option of Imperial Wharf as a possible location for a station .”
Pro-station campaigners say growing passenger figures show a new station is needed in Chelsea , and has the backing of around 50 prominent groups and organisations based in the area, including The Science Museum and Royal Albert Hall. More recently the Action Disability Kensington and Chelsea group came out in favour of it.
Opponents to the project argue the station is not wanted, and 86% of people questioned in a recent TfL survey either unsupportive or opposed.
Celebrities such as Mark Knopfler and Felicity Kendal have came out against the station, estimated to cost over £1 billion .
