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The Metropolitan Police is reportedly threatening to block Asda’s proposed mixed-use redevelopment in west London amid concerns over public safety.According to The Telegraph, the Met is demanding “hundreds of thousands” of pounds in developer contributions to fund dealing with the expected surge in residents and to help maintain the “safety of the local community”.
It comes as Asda last year announced plans for a 60,000 sq ft superstore in Park Royal, with up to 400 car parking spaces for customers, alongside the creation of around 1,600 homes.
The proposal, which is subject to planning approval, includes creating a new town centre for the local community in a major regeneration area in west London.
Police warned the project will put “unacceptable pressure” on its staff and budget, however.
In a letter written to the planning authority, the Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation (OPDC), the Met warned the size of the development would “seriously undermine” its ability to meet its policing needs.
With Asda’s plans reportedly adding a further 4,000 residents to the area, the police said they want access to funds that developers give to the local authority, which it allocates to infrastructure improvements.
According to The Telegraph, the Met has also demanded a new 1,600 sq ft base at a “highly visible location in the “heart of the new community”, as well as nearby parking spaces and nearly £310,000 more to “mitigate impacts” on wider police infrastructure.
In a letter to the OPDC, Jonathan Boulton from the Met said: “Without the necessary contribution the development will be unacceptable in planning terms and permission should not be granted.
“The lack of capacity in existing infrastructure to accommodate the population growth and associated demands occasioned by the development means that it is necessary for the developer of the site to provide a contribution so the situation might be remedied.”
He added: “Without the necessary contribution to meet police needs there is a formal objection to the development on sustainability grounds and because the development is unacceptable without the necessary contribution.
He is reportedly calling for a meeting with the local authority ahead of the filing of the planning application.
Asda has been contacted for comment.
