CONTROVERSIAL proposals will usher in dramatic changes to the urban landscape of the north west London bringing at least 33,000 new homes to the area if the Mayor s London Plan is approved, writes Andy McCorkell. Boris Johnson s draft document, which now

CONTROVERSIAL proposals will usher in dramatic changes to the urban landscape of the north west London bringing at least 33,000 new homes to the area if the Mayor's London Plan is approved, writes Andy McCorkell.

Boris Johnson's draft document, which now faces a raft of consultations, earmarks large developments including at least 10,000 new homes in Cricklewood/Brent Cross, a minimum of 2,000 in Earl's Court and West Kensington, more than 2,000 homes in Kensal Canalside, at least 1,000 new homes in Paddington and 1,500 in Park Royal/Willesden Junction.

A further minimum of 11,500 homes are pencilled in for Wembley, at least 5,000 for White City and more than 800 for the West Hampstead Interchange along with improvements to rail, underground and bus connections.

But Richard Osband, secretary of West Kensington Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association, was among residents who were recently backed by the Minister for Housing, John Healey in the battle against proposals to bulldoze their estates.

Referring to the London Plan, Mr Osband said: "We are very disappointed that Hammersmith and Fulham Council leader, Cllr Stephen Greenhalgh seems to have dragooned Boris into his destructive plans. We hope that the Mayor will listen to the people.

"We shall be objecting to the inclusion of our estates in the 'opportunity area.'

"We are not the only ones in the borough threatened with demolition and we shall be extending the hand of friendship to residents in the White City estates to help them save their homes and community."

Mr Osband has joined residents in collecting 600 signatures in a petition opposing the scheme.

The Draft Replacement London Plan is open for public comment until January 12 before an Examination in Public (EiP) is held in the summer and autumn next year.

The final plan must be approved by the Secretary of State before the formal replacement London Plan is published in late 2011.

Mr Johnson said: "Updating the London Plan is vital to the capital's future. Not only will it help to deliver more jobs and regeneration for great swathes of the city it will also bring more affordable homes and a better quality of life for everyone.

"I believe our plans for areas such as White City, Kensal Canalside and Wembley will make a real difference to people's lives but I want to hear what you think.

"This is your chance to shape London's future so don't miss out, get involved and help make London the greatest city on earth."

A roadshow will travel around London to help people get involved in the consultation and is due in Brent Cross, Shepherd's Bush and Westminster on November 19, 27 and 30 respectively.

Visit www.london.gov.uk /shaping-london for more information.

London Plan factfile

Earl's Court & West Kensington to create 7,000 jobs with extensive estate renewal regeneration.

A comprehensive approach is proposed for planning the future of the exhibition complex, the Transport for London Lillie Bridge Road depot, the local authority housing estates and other sites.

The potential for strategic leisure, cultural and visitor attraction and strategically significant offices will be explored together with retail, hotels and supporting infrastructure.

White City to create 10,000 jobs with an extension of the opportunity area to include Shepherd's Bush town centre and the White City Estate.

There is potential for mixed density housing and office development around the tube stations at White City and Wood Lane with other commercial, leisure, open space, education and retail uses.

Housing-led intensification will support regeneration, enable estate renewal and seek a mixed and balanced community.

An Opportunity Area Planning Framework is being prepared by the GLA and the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham.

OTHER KEY PLANS INCLUDE:

Cricklewood/Brent Cross to create 20,000 jobs with significant potential for wider economic development, new housing and regeneration.

Brent Cross will be redeveloped to become a town centre with a mix of activities.

A significant increase in new housing would be coupled with more services and a restoration of the River Brent.

Park Royal/Willesden Junction to create 14,000 jobs through industrial related development that takes account of London's future rail and water freight requirements and their land use implications, with scope for improvements.

Wembley to create 11,000 jobs with a development including regeneration to increase the vitality and viability of Wembley as a town centre, including its expansion eastwards.

Proposals should enhance the potential to locate a civic facility including a school adjacent to Olympic Way.

Kensal Canalside to create 1,000 new jobs through regeneration in north Kensington and adjoining boroughs.

Improved public transport accessibility will be an important factor in the final scale of development and this could include exploration of the potential for a Crossrail station.

Planners are considering building over the railway tracks and will investigate constraints imposed by existing gasworks.

Paddington to create 5,000 jobs with scope for further high density, good quality, business and housing development.

West Hampstead Interchange to create 1,000 jobs through an inner London transport interchange to improve connections between rail, underground and bus.