| |
 The derelict and ‘blighted’ site in question |
West End | News | Westminster Council | Campaigners | Edgware Road derelict land | Sainsbury's
Give us homes and a supermarket, say campaigners
CAMPAIGNERS are calling on Westminster Council to put pressure on the owners of a swathe of derelict land next to Edgware Road, which they say is a “blight” on the area. Owners, including Sainsbury’s, should be forced to build homes and a supermarket on the site, or face a compulsory purchase order, residents say, writes Jamie Welham.
A number of proposals, including a 24-storey block of flats, reached the planning stage but were thwarted by opposition and legal wranglings. The proposed development was subject to a public inquiry in 2004 and permission was eventually granted but it reached a stalemate following a judicial review.
The site, close to Paddington Basin at the corner of Edgware Road and Church Street, has changed hands a number of times but has remained barren for 10 years, except for a private car park on one side.”
Barbara Grahame, Labour councillor for Church Street ward, said: “They’ve been threatening to do something with that land for a decade but every time it gets to the planning stage it falls through.
“The council ought to be breathing down their necks and slap them with a compulsory purchase order. You go up the Edgware Road from Marble Arch and it’s full of life. You get across the flyover and it’s like entering another country.
“We desperately need more homes and a supermarket. I just don’t understand what’s holding them back. Maybe its something to do with property prices but by the looks of Paddington, it’s positively booming.”
It is understood that Sainsbury’s are keen to purchase the part of the site which they don’t own. It is estimated to be worth more than £200 million.
A spokesperson said: “We are still committed to building on the land and are currently working out the best way to do this.”
The council says a compulsory purchase order would be counter-productive. Council cabinet member for planning Robert Davis said: “It is in nobody’s interest for the site to remain undeveloped. A compulsory purchase order can take up to two years to acquire and given the delays so far we are anxious not to extend these any further by launching our own separate legal proceedings.” |
 |
|
| |
| |
