CrowdJustice Campaign 2026

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Project Flourish: Contamination

Site Contamination and Environmental Impact

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 such as hydrocarbons, heavy metals, asbestos, cyanide and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) Many of these chemicals give off a foul odor which can linger in people's homes for months. When contaminated soil is disturbed toxic gas and dust is released into the atmosphere with devastating environmental and health impacts.

Public Health Risks

Airborne toxins can travel up to a radius of 7km extending from North Kensington into Brent, Westminster, Hammersmith & Fulham,  potentially affecting thousands of Londoners over a 10-15 year period of phased remediation. 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, COPD and cancer. The World Health Organization (WHO) says "there is no safe level of exposure".

Legal Representation

Eminent Barrister, David Wolfe, KC Matrix Chambers

Our Legal Case

This proposed legal action is about protecting the environment and safeguarding our communities and the health of our children. We want to challenge any potential disregard for human health and any potential disregard for safety protocols for the remediation of contaminated land. We want to ensure that RBKC (the Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea) Planning Department  gives sufficient consideration to the need to keep our community safe, and puts the needs of its residents above profit.

We have instructed Bindmans solicitors to advise on a potential legal challenge if RBKC proceeds with granting planning permission to Project Flourish after the GLA's 2nd stage review and our request for the Mayor of London to “call in: Project Flourish.. The eminent David Wolfe KC has agreed to take on our case.

Funding Target

We need to raise £20,000 to pay for outstanding legal fees for work undertaken in 2025 and new instructions and preparation work (Jan - March 2026) including full review of documentation, determine legal grounds for a Judicial Review and additional instructions for a Mayoral Call in (akin to a Public Inquiry).

What we are trying to achieve

  • Independent air quality monitoring       

  • Mandatory use of safe remediation methods       

  • A legal precedent to protect other communities     

  • Environmental Justice and Health Safeguards

  • Safe sustainable affordable housing for local people

A successful outcome will benefit the lives of thousands of Londoners creating a safer future for all communities affected by toxic gasworks developments.

Crowdfunding Campaign 2025

Our aim was to raise £7000 to cover legal fees for an initial meeting with David Wolfe, KC to discuss our case and additional preparation work prior to the RBKC Planning meeting on November 11th.

We didn’t quite reach our target but we got a phenomenal response for local residents who donated a phenomenal £4,445.00 (less Crowdfunder fees the total was £4,297.78)

Remembering Harry True

A special thank you to Harry True much loved and highly regarded local resident, Chairman of the Kensal Rise Business Association and tireless supporter of our campaign who sadly passed away on December 9th, 2025

Acknowledging Contributors

I would like to acknowledge the following ‘named’ contributors for their messages of support and to the many other residents who wished to remain anonymous. - Thank you!