Council under pressure to scrap huge regeneration scheme

A newly elected Labour council has come under pressure to scrap one of Britain's largest regeneration schemes following a manifesto promise.

Labour councillors in Hammersmith & Fulham told voters they would attempt to re-negotiate the £8bn redevelopment of Earls Court. In a deal secured by the previous Conservative administration, the historic exhibition centre is due to be demolished and replaced by new homes, shops, offices and hotels.

Residents of two council estates, West Kensington and Gibbs Green, have been involved in a long-running campaign to stop their homes from being flattened. Labour's election campaign focused on a series of high-profile building projects in the borough, with Conservative councillors accused of a "cosy relationship with developers."

A spokesman for the residents' campaign said they expected the new administration to stand by its manifesto pledge. But the Tories claim council taxpayers could end up with a bill for £30m in legal fees and penalties if the scheme is scrapped.

A council spokesman said: