What happens when one of London’s most contaminated sites is dug up — next to homes, schools, a waterway, and a historic cemetery?
Thank you for standing with us to protect Kensal Green Cemetery. Many joined this campaign because of the cemetery — but the planned development also poses a serious risk to the living: toxic contamination.
A heavily contaminated site
Kensal Canalside is the on of most heavily contaminated former gasworks sites in London. Beneath the surface lies a serious burden of industrial pollution from its past use.
Known contaminants include benzene, cyanide, asbestos, heavy metals and toxic gases. Some of these substances are carcinogenic. Others can affect breathing, the nervous system, and long-term health.
Children are particularly vulnerable to these toxins. There are 59 schools, nurseries, and children’s centres within 1km of the site.
An incomplete picture
Crucially, the site has not been fully assessed. Key data gaps remain — including missing underground tanks and unresolved contamination sources. Yet development is proposed to begin before a full understanding of the risks is in place.
A “stop–start” clean-up
The current plan involves phased remediation — digging, treating, and building at the same time. This could mean many years of exposure to pollutants and odours during construction.
Toxins can travel through the air, soil, and water — potentially affecting neighbourhoods, schools and businesses across a wide area. Independent analysis indicates airborne dust and gases may spread over several kilometres, depending on conditions.
Health risks — now and long-term
Short-term exposure can cause irritation, headaches, and breathing problems.
Long-term exposure has been linked to asthma, chronic illness, and cancer.
The World Health Organisation states: there is no safe level of exposure to some of these toxins.
There is still time to stop it
The Mayor of London still has the power to intervene.
- He can call in the application.
- He can direct refusal.
- He can require a safer, fully assessed approach.
Together we need to let him know the level of concern across London.
What can you do right now?
- Share this petition with neighbours and friends — every signature matters
- Help others understand the public health risks
- Donate to support legal action — we have strong grounds to challenge any approval
- Follow us on Instagram where we continue to set out the full picture
Let’s call on the Mayor of London to ensure that homes are affordable, sustainable, and safe for future generations.