Developer's Attempt to Build on Imperial College's Former Playing Fields Dismissed

A developer, Quantum, appealed the refusal of its application for planning permission for 107 so-called "extra-care" apartments on the former playing fields of Imperial College, London. The playing fields, which Quantum had purchased from Imperial in 2015, had originally been owned by Lord Beaverbrook and dedicated in the inter-war years as a war memorial before being bestowed upon Imperial's predecessor.

The issues in the appeal, determined following a four week inquiry, were planning policy, including the site's designation as Local Green Space, sports provision, ecology including impact on Bats and community use and engagement. Sports England intervened to support the local planning authority and local residents in defending the refusal of permission. In a comprehensive vindication of the local residents' concerns, the Inspector found that the proposed development would be contrary to policy, inimical to local sports provision and community use and would harm bat habitats and species.

You can read the full decision here.

Daniel Stedman Jones acted for the local residents, the Udney Park Playing Fields Trust and the Teddington Society.