Boris waves through plans to demolish Earls Court
The Earls Court exhibition centre is set to be demolished after the London mayor waved through plans to turn it into a new high street.
The building, which has been the scene of countless London concerts and conventions, will be demolished along with two neighbouring estates to create four 'villages' and a 'high street'.
The plan is set to create 7,500 homes and thousands of jobs.
Boris Johnson said he was "acutely aware of the concerns" of some residents, but waved the demolition through.
"I'm in no doubt that the development will provide a massive boost not just to this part of the capital, but to London's wider economy as well," he said.
The mayor could have turned the scheme down or called a public hearing, if he had chosen.
Campaigners from Save Earl's Court West Kensington & Gibbs Green estates want the building to be listed.
"Very disappointed but not at all surprised that the Mayor has approved demolition of Earls Court Exhibition Centre," Labour London Assembly member Tom Copley said on Twitter.
"An appalling decision."
