Legal dispute
This project aims to raise funds to resolve a claim, or other type of dispute.
Keep Kensal Green
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Aim
Raise £7,000 to pay for legal fees to mount a challenge against Ballymore's proposed development at former Kensal Gasworks
Introduction
The Keep Kensal Green campaign was launched in January 2023 by local residents to raise awareness about environmental and public health issues posed by Ballymore’s "Project Flourish", a large scale development at former Kensal gasworks, Ladbroke Grove..
Kensal Gasworks is one of the most historically toxic gasworks sites in London. It's previous use as a 19th century coke and gas plant has left widespread contamination from legacy chemicals including hydrocarbons, heavy metals, ammonia, benzene, toluene, naphthalene, arsenic, asbestos, cyanide and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs) - many of which are carcinogenic.
Site Contamination and Environmental Impact
Contaminated sites have to be remediated before construction can take place, When a site with buried chemicals is excavated, toxic gas and dust is released into the atmosphere with devastating environmental and health impacts for local residents.
Blue billy cyanide with characteristic blue colour
Many of these chemicals give off a foul odor which can linger in peoples homes for months.
Risk of Unexploded German Bombs (UXO)
Kensal gasworks lies within an area that was heavily bombed during the Second World War. Based on historical records, it's estimated that there could be 4-6 UXOs buried on the site,
Of greatest concern is the possibility of detonating an unexploded bomb during site excavation and foundation works. A 50–250 kg German bomb could produce a high-order explosion with:a blast radius of 100–200 metres
Moreover, bomb detonations over or near chemical tanks could cause chain reactions or massive chemical plumes involving benzene, ammonia and tar-derived hydrocarbons.
Photo: Guardian News (2022) Exeter. UXO controlled detonation led to widespread damage
There are currently no safety measures or emergency evacuation protocols.in place to protect residents. The combination of UXO risk and hazardous legacy contaminants makes this development site exceptionally high-risk in terms of both public safety and environmental impact. .
Transmission of Airborne Toxins
Airborne toxins from the contaminated site can travel up to a radius of 7km, affecting residential areas, schools and businesses in Brent and Westminster as well as Kensington and Chelsea.
Public Health Risks
Short term exposure to chemical toxins can cause eye irritation, headaches and breathlessness..Long term exposure for children and vulnerable groups can lead to respiratory illness, asthma or COPD and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) says there is no safe level of exposure.
Climate Change and Environmental Solutions
How can we protect human health and the environment? The solution is the adoption of a safe remediation strategy called “ Air Pressure Tenting”. These large sealed tents are designed to ‘contain’ toxic gas and dust, prevent airborne transmission and minimize construction noise and foul odour. This method has been successfully used in China and by the Bauer Group in Germany.
Environmental Pollution and Ecology
Environmental contamination of surrounding soil and water may prove Irreversible. The loss of sunlight from adjacent tower blocks and pollution from air borne toxins will have a devastating impact on protected wildlife at Kensal Green Cemetery
Keep Kensal Green Campaign
Keep Kensal Green is a member of Gasworks Communities United (GCU) an umbrella organization set up by Angela Fonso (CASH) to raise awareness about health risks suffered by residents at Southall Gasworks, (Reported by the Guardian.)
Since we started this project we’ve had amazing support from the local community, collaborating with RA's , community councils and campaign groups in North Kensington, Queens Park, Brent and Westminster,
Our Petition objecting to Project Flourish received over 7,700 signatures including Anabel Kindersley, CEO Neal's Yard and environmentalist Luke Douglas Home
In the next few weeks a decision will lbe made that could affect the lives of thousands of Londoners,
Legal Challenge
The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Planning Committee will meet on November.11th to vote on Ballymore's Project Flourish. This is where we need your support.
We urgently need to raise money to pay for legal fees to mount a challenge to stop this development until there are guaranteed safeguards in place to protect Public Health and Environmental Impact.
How the Money will be Used
1. £2,300. Legal Fees : Stage 1: Advice Meeting
2. £500. Campaign video for social media
3. £4,200 Legal Fees : Stage 2: Review Planning submission /Explore grounds for a Judicial Review
This project successfully funded on 28th January 2026