Lib Dems put forward Sustainable Vision for White City

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The Liberal Democrats have responded to the White City Development Area consultation document by calling for sustainable development principles be used to reduce the number of office blocks and increase housing to meet the needs of residents.

The current proposals call for creating commercial buildings for 11,000 workers over the next 10-15 years in the area between White City, Shepherds Bush and the A40. The consultation document claims this development will bring much needed jobs to the area. 1,200 homes are also
to be included in the development. Sustainable principles are to be used
in the construction of the development.

The Lib Dems believe the area needs homes and training facilities, not
offices. The consultation document claims 5,000 people are unemployed in
the White City estate, with 50% below the age of 20. There is also a high
proportion of unemployed older people (45/50) who are currently unable to
return to work.

White City has very good transport links to Paddington and King's Cross
where huge office developments are already being built. The problem is
that many of the area's unemployed residents lack the skills and training
needed to fill jobs that are only a short tube ride away. More large
office developments on our doorstep will not provide jobs for these
people.

Hammersmith & Fulham Liberal Democrat spokesman Jon Burden said:

"This development will bring 10 times more jobs to the borough than
houses. This means thousands of commuters clogging our roads and
overwhelming public transport. It also means thousands of people moving
into the borough to live closer to their new offices causing even more
pressure on housing. Either way, local residents lose out."

The consultation document talks about using sustainable principles to
build a massive "iconic" development with large office blocks. Lib Dems
want sustainable principles to govern the entire concept of the
development. A truly sustainable development would be a mix of buildings
for homes, small businesses, training centres, social enterprise units and
not-for-profit organisations that meet local needs. Small businesses are
far more likely to hire local people and offer services that local
residents can support.

Jon Burden continued:

"The need for "an iconic public building" indicates the design is being
driven by the need to attract large corporations to a huge office
development disconnected from community needs. With similar large
developments coming on stream in Paddington and King's Cross areas, there
will be keen competition to attract "anchor" occupants. Presumably this
is why a design goal is a "strong identity for the site" that can be seen
when flying over London. Community based development does need "iconic"
buildings that can be seen on the approach to Heathrow! It needs well
thought out designs on a human scale that meet local needs."

 

September 26, 2005