HS2 Interchange Must Not Come at Expense of Vital Open Space

---

Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee urges people to join in consultation

The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust Committee says development of the HS2 interchange at Old Oak must not come at the expense of one of London’s most vital open spaces.

Transport for London (TfL) are currently consulting the public on options for connecting overground train services to the proposed Old Oak transport hub. Some of the options could impinge on Wormwood Scrubs and have a damaging effect on local wildlife, according to Committee Chair, Cllr Wesley Harcourt, who says:
" Wormwood Scrubs is one of London’s largest areas of open common land and it’s a huge asset to local people and London as a whole.

"New transport services, and the wider regeneration of Old Oak, will bring enormous benefits in terms of new affordable housing and jobs, as well as faster transport services, but it needs to happen with sensitivity to the impact on this much-cherished green space."

The Trust, along with Hammersmith & Fulham Council, is urging local people to respond the TfL’s consultation, making it clear that Option C, which has the least environmental impact, is their preferred solution. The TfL consultation website is here and you can respond to it under the closing date of November 24.

The Trust has also responded to a related consultation by the Mayor of London on setting up a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) to take over planning powers for the whole of the Old Oak regeneration project.

" We are adding the voice of the Wormwood Scrubs Trust to those of local council who do not want to see the Mayor given sole responsibility for approving development in Old Oak," adds Cllr Harcourt.

" The proposed size of the MDC zone takes in the whole of the Scrubs, plus the Linford Christie Sports Stadium and other sites. We think that scope is far too wide and presents a real threat to the future of the common."

The Wormwood Scrubs Charitable Trust (The Trust) exists to ensure that this much
valued area of open space in West London is used for the exercise and recreation of
Londoners.

You can see the agenda and minutes of the latest Trust committee meeting here.

 

October 12, 2014