Association joins residents in asking for public inquiry
The Association of Event Organisers has joined the residents of West Kensington in protesting against the proposed redevelopment of Earls Court and the surrounding area by launching an e-petition.
The petition, headlined Stop the proposed demolition of Earls Court Exhibition Centre asks the Government to call in the planning application for a transparent public inquiry.
This echoes a recent call from the residents of West Kensington and Gibbs Green Estates, both of which would be demolished if the plans go ahead, asking the Prime Minister to step in and save their homes.
The association's petition highlights residents’ opposition to the scheme, saying "they have little or no control over their own destiny" as well as Earls Court’s economic contribution of more than £1bn to London's economy.
The AEO claims the scheme represents a conflict of interest for the London mayor’s office, because it involves huge land assets held by Transport for London, of which the mayor is chair and from which the authority would receive large benefits.
The petition continues: " The plan will substantially contract the event industry; reduce the number of visitors, all after the Olympics elevated the city’s status to a global audience."
The £8billion master plan for the redevelopment of Earls Court and the surrounding area will go before Hammersmith and Fulham's planning committee on September 12, when it is expected to be rubberstamped, despite widespread opposition
AEO chief executive Karim Halwagi says: "The loss of the venue would have a significant negative impact on local businesses and lead to massive job losses, while threatening London’s economy as a whole."
Local people are invited to sign the petition here
September 5, 2012