Ben Lynch
@benlynch07.bsky.social
Local Democracy Reporter, covering City of London / Hammersmith and Fulham / Westminster / Kensington and Chelsea / [email protected]
West London neighbourhood is getting new Sainsbury's - 1,800 homes will follow www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
West London neighbourhood is getting new Sainsbury's - 1,800 homes will follow
The application for the new Sands End Sainsbury's Local was approved though with some additional conditions imposed by the council's Sub-Committee
www.mylondon.news
December 9, 2025 at 4:35 PM
West London neighbourhood is getting new Sainsbury's - 1,800 homes will follow www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Welput, which had looked to overturn the refusal of its proposed 43-storey office block near Bevis Marks Synagogue, has withdrawn its appeal.
The app drew significant concern about the impact on Bevis Marks, the UK's oldest continuously-run synagogue. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
The app drew significant concern about the impact on Bevis Marks, the UK's oldest continuously-run synagogue. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Appeal withdrawn against refusal of 43-storey tower block by historic synagogue
Welput's proposal for a skyscraper by Bevis Marks Synagogue in Aldgate was rejected by the City of London Corporation last December
www.mylondon.news
December 5, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Welput, which had looked to overturn the refusal of its proposed 43-storey office block near Bevis Marks Synagogue, has withdrawn its appeal.
The app drew significant concern about the impact on Bevis Marks, the UK's oldest continuously-run synagogue. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
The app drew significant concern about the impact on Bevis Marks, the UK's oldest continuously-run synagogue. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Not such a happy start to the weekend for hundreds of Barbican residents who are suffering from a water failure.
Thames Water has apologised and said its engineers are investigating to determine a fix to get the water back on "as soon as possible". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Thames Water has apologised and said its engineers are investigating to determine a fix to get the water back on "as soon as possible". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Hundreds of residents told they can wash at gym due to water failure
Thames Water confirmed the issue has been caused by a leak affecting a main on Aldersgate Street and that its engineers are working to 'determine a fix'
www.mylondon.news
December 5, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Not such a happy start to the weekend for hundreds of Barbican residents who are suffering from a water failure.
Thames Water has apologised and said its engineers are investigating to determine a fix to get the water back on "as soon as possible". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Thames Water has apologised and said its engineers are investigating to determine a fix to get the water back on "as soon as possible". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Reposted by Ben Lynch
Hammersmith and Fulham Council had provided the woman with temporary accommodation after she fled domestic abuse
Abuse victim paid £250 by council due to poor communications over her housing
www.mylondon.news
December 4, 2025 at 7:33 PM
Hammersmith and Fulham Council had provided the woman with temporary accommodation after she fled domestic abuse
Tributes have been paid to former H&F Mayor and councillor Patricia Quigley, who resigned from the local authority last month.
Leader Stephen Cowan told the LDRS Ms Quigley made an “unforgettable impact” as a councillor for Hammersmith Broadway. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Leader Stephen Cowan told the LDRS Ms Quigley made an “unforgettable impact” as a councillor for Hammersmith Broadway. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Former Mayor and councillor praised for ‘unforgettable impact’ as she resigns
Patricia Quigley was elected to Hammersmith and Fulham Council in 2018 and served as the borough’s Mayor from 2023 to 2025
www.mylondon.news
December 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
Tributes have been paid to former H&F Mayor and councillor Patricia Quigley, who resigned from the local authority last month.
Leader Stephen Cowan told the LDRS Ms Quigley made an “unforgettable impact” as a councillor for Hammersmith Broadway. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Leader Stephen Cowan told the LDRS Ms Quigley made an “unforgettable impact” as a councillor for Hammersmith Broadway. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
The City of London and Smithfield and Billingsgate traders reveal the markets could move to a potential new home in the Royal Docks in Newham.
Confirms our reporting from October that a 'preferred location' in East London had been identified.
www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Confirms our reporting from October that a 'preferred location' in East London had been identified.
www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Smithfield and Billingsgate markets could move to Royal Docks under new plans
Work to identify a new location has been ongoing since the City of London agreed to withdraw from running the historic markets
www.mylondon.news
December 3, 2025 at 11:04 AM
The City of London and Smithfield and Billingsgate traders reveal the markets could move to a potential new home in the Royal Docks in Newham.
Confirms our reporting from October that a 'preferred location' in East London had been identified.
www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Confirms our reporting from October that a 'preferred location' in East London had been identified.
www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
City of London on track to miss 2030 target for road deaths and serious injuries www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
City of London on track to miss 2030 target for road deaths and serious injuries
In a report City of London officers wrote the Corporation will 'continue to work with our partners to the actions set out in the Vision Zero Action Plan, encouraging safer behaviours whilst delivering...
www.mylondon.news
December 2, 2025 at 5:38 PM
City of London on track to miss 2030 target for road deaths and serious injuries www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Inspectors praise services for City of London children with SEND in report www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Inspectors praise services for City of London children with SEND in report
The local area partnership commissioning and providing SEND services in the Square Mile is the responsibility of the City of London Corporation and the North East London Integrated Care Board (ICB)
www.mylondon.news
December 1, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Inspectors praise services for City of London children with SEND in report www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
A look into the extent to which the City of London is excluding the public from meetings to discuss reports in private.
While often warranted given the City's unique range of roles one member has claimed the authority has a 'culture of non-transparency'. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
While often warranted given the City's unique range of roles one member has claimed the authority has a 'culture of non-transparency'. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
City of London accused of 'culture of non-transparency' over private reports
An analysis of the City of London Corporation's meetings in September and October indicated almost 40 per cent of items were to be held in private
www.mylondon.news
December 1, 2025 at 1:52 PM
A look into the extent to which the City of London is excluding the public from meetings to discuss reports in private.
While often warranted given the City's unique range of roles one member has claimed the authority has a 'culture of non-transparency'. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
While often warranted given the City's unique range of roles one member has claimed the authority has a 'culture of non-transparency'. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Update on this - The extended Zone D restrictions in H&F are now to be rolled out next Monday (December 8) rather than today.
Council has offered a meeting with The Bhavan though I understand the new controls are to be introduced as planned, just a week later.
Council has offered a meeting with The Bhavan though I understand the new controls are to be introduced as planned, just a week later.
The Bhavan, which teaches 23 different subjects under one roof, has been based at the West Kensington site since 1977
Indian music centre fails with last-ditch attempt to stop parking changes
www.mylondon.news
December 1, 2025 at 12:15 PM
Update on this - The extended Zone D restrictions in H&F are now to be rolled out next Monday (December 8) rather than today.
Council has offered a meeting with The Bhavan though I understand the new controls are to be introduced as planned, just a week later.
Council has offered a meeting with The Bhavan though I understand the new controls are to be introduced as planned, just a week later.
Reposted by Ben Lynch
The Bhavan, which teaches 23 different subjects under one roof, has been based at the West Kensington site since 1977
Indian music centre fails with last-ditch attempt to stop parking changes
www.mylondon.news
November 30, 2025 at 1:31 PM
The Bhavan, which teaches 23 different subjects under one roof, has been based at the West Kensington site since 1977
Now on BBC London www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Earl’s Court transformation: council backs major housing project
The proposed £10bn scheme is hoping to deliver a new 4,000-home neighbourhood by 2043
www.bbc.co.uk
November 29, 2025 at 11:35 AM
Now on BBC London www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Latest update on the cyber attack from earlier this week which impacted several London councils www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
London council confirms data 'copied and taken away' in cyber attack
Kensington and Chelsea Council has said it believes the breach only impacts historical data
www.mylondon.news
November 28, 2025 at 5:24 PM
Latest update on the cyber attack from earlier this week which impacted several London councils www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
At the end of a marathon planning meeting last night Hammersmith and Fulham councillors approved the Earl's Court application.
A second proposal is with RBKC, for which a decision is expected next month. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
A second proposal is with RBKC, for which a decision is expected next month. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
West London set for 4,000 new homes as 42-storey tower approved
Half of the Earl's Court development now has planning permission and it'll eventually see a cinema, live music venue and thousands of homes
www.mylondon.news
November 27, 2025 at 1:48 PM
At the end of a marathon planning meeting last night Hammersmith and Fulham councillors approved the Earl's Court application.
A second proposal is with RBKC, for which a decision is expected next month. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
A second proposal is with RBKC, for which a decision is expected next month. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
The percentage of the City of London's homes classed as ‘non-decent’ has almost doubled in the last 12 months.
In papers the City has claimed this is primarily due to delays to major refurbishment projects, for which plans are progressing. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
In papers the City has claimed this is primarily due to delays to major refurbishment projects, for which plans are progressing. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Percentage of ‘non-decent’ homes managed by City of London almost doubled
The City of London manages social homes on estates such as on Golden Lane, Middlesex Street and York Way
www.mylondon.news
November 27, 2025 at 9:42 AM
The percentage of the City of London's homes classed as ‘non-decent’ has almost doubled in the last 12 months.
In papers the City has claimed this is primarily due to delays to major refurbishment projects, for which plans are progressing. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
In papers the City has claimed this is primarily due to delays to major refurbishment projects, for which plans are progressing. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
An alternative vision for Liverpool Street Station has been unveiled by the architects behind the King's Cross Station redevelopment.
Intended to present a distinct approach to that in Network Rail's app, with backing from several key heritage groups. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Intended to present a distinct approach to that in Network Rail's app, with backing from several key heritage groups. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Alternative Liverpool Street plan by team behind King’s Cross redevelopment
The proposal pitches a different approach to redeveloping Liverpool Street Station than Network Rail's live application
www.mylondon.news
November 26, 2025 at 3:51 PM
An alternative vision for Liverpool Street Station has been unveiled by the architects behind the King's Cross Station redevelopment.
Intended to present a distinct approach to that in Network Rail's app, with backing from several key heritage groups. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Intended to present a distinct approach to that in Network Rail's app, with backing from several key heritage groups. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Reposted by Ben Lynch
I don't know if this says something about the workload for government employees, but I can barely fit one job into an 11-hour day. Story by @benlynch07.bsky.social www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Council employee asked to work from home - they had secret 2nd job
The Hammersmith and Fulham Council employee was also working a full-time job for the Ministry of Justice
www.mylondon.news
November 25, 2025 at 9:05 AM
I don't know if this says something about the workload for government employees, but I can barely fit one job into an 11-hour day. Story by @benlynch07.bsky.social www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Reposted by Ben Lynch
The application by Westminster City Council for the Broadwick Street site comes after a previous proposal by a private operator expired
Former toilet once top cottaging spot in UK may become café or shop
www.mylondon.news
November 20, 2025 at 10:44 PM
The application by Westminster City Council for the Broadwick Street site comes after a previous proposal by a private operator expired
Update on when to expect a decision on future access for trans swimmers to Hampstead Heath's ponds, plus a date for legal proceedings brought by Sex Matters. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Trans access at famous London swim spot expected to be decided in new year
A consultation on the use of Hampstead Heath ponds is to run until November 25
www.mylondon.news
November 20, 2025 at 12:11 PM
Update on when to expect a decision on future access for trans swimmers to Hampstead Heath's ponds, plus a date for legal proceedings brought by Sex Matters. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Big planning meeting next week as Hammersmith and Fulham is due to vote on the Earl's Court application.
The submission is one of two, the other filed with RBKC. Total number of homes c. 4,000, with cultural spaces, offices and other facilities included. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
The submission is one of two, the other filed with RBKC. Total number of homes c. 4,000, with cultural spaces, offices and other facilities included. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
4,000-home scheme set to progress as first of two applications to be approved
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is due to make a decision on the section of the Earl's Court scheme located in the borough at a meeting on November 26
www.mylondon.news
November 20, 2025 at 10:19 AM
Big planning meeting next week as Hammersmith and Fulham is due to vote on the Earl's Court application.
The submission is one of two, the other filed with RBKC. Total number of homes c. 4,000, with cultural spaces, offices and other facilities included. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
The submission is one of two, the other filed with RBKC. Total number of homes c. 4,000, with cultural spaces, offices and other facilities included. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
A London store has had its licence revoked following a litany of alleged instances when it illegally sold vapes and alcohol to teenagers.
In one instance a 16-year-old girl was reported to have been hospitalised after drinking vodka purchased at the shop. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
In one instance a 16-year-old girl was reported to have been hospitalised after drinking vodka purchased at the shop. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
West London shop that 'put 3 girls in hospital' has licence revoked
In one case this summer an underage girl, who was visiting friends in London, bought a bottle of vodka from Best Quality Food and Wines and ended up in intensive care
www.mylondon.news
November 18, 2025 at 9:16 AM
A London store has had its licence revoked following a litany of alleged instances when it illegally sold vapes and alcohol to teenagers.
In one instance a 16-year-old girl was reported to have been hospitalised after drinking vodka purchased at the shop. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
In one instance a 16-year-old girl was reported to have been hospitalised after drinking vodka purchased at the shop. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
A couple from last week which went live while I was at LDR conference:
West London dentist warns patients will be ‘pulling their own teeth out’ if rent hike forced through - www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Date revealed for decision on future of 5 London cafés - www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
West London dentist warns patients will be ‘pulling their own teeth out’ if rent hike forced through - www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Date revealed for decision on future of 5 London cafés - www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Dentist warns residents will pull 'own teeth out’ if rent hike forced through
The council has hit back at the dentist, who claims he'll have no choice but to do more private work if rent increases up to £105,000 a year go through, by arguing it has to get a 'reasonable return f...
www.mylondon.news
November 17, 2025 at 9:22 AM
A couple from last week which went live while I was at LDR conference:
West London dentist warns patients will be ‘pulling their own teeth out’ if rent hike forced through - www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Date revealed for decision on future of 5 London cafés - www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
West London dentist warns patients will be ‘pulling their own teeth out’ if rent hike forced through - www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Date revealed for decision on future of 5 London cafés - www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Reposted by Ben Lynch
The site on Canal Way had drawn significant opposition with concerns over the level of affordable housing, transport and contamination of the land
Major 2,500-home development on former gasworks approved
www.mylondon.news
November 12, 2025 at 3:29 PM
The site on Canal Way had drawn significant opposition with concerns over the level of affordable housing, transport and contamination of the land
Interesting follow-up on a licensing meeting from a couple of weeks ago - it appears as if a further condition may have been breached.
Woman banned from involvement with the shop is Director of two businesses based at the premises. Council to investigate. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Woman banned from involvement with the shop is Director of two businesses based at the premises. Council to investigate. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Woman banned from working at shop is Director of companies sharing same address
In 2019 Nageswary Shanmugaratnam was one of two individuals named in a condition banning them from "the management of licensable activities" at Shan Local
www.mylondon.news
November 12, 2025 at 8:59 AM
Interesting follow-up on a licensing meeting from a couple of weeks ago - it appears as if a further condition may have been breached.
Woman banned from involvement with the shop is Director of two businesses based at the premises. Council to investigate. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Woman banned from involvement with the shop is Director of two businesses based at the premises. Council to investigate. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Hundreds of objections have been submitted opposing the One Silk Street scheme opposite the Barbican Centre. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Plan for 'overpowering' 21-storey office block sparks 700 objections
One Barbican resident described the One Silk Street proposal as "needlessly overpowering and insensitively designed"
www.mylondon.news
November 12, 2025 at 8:54 AM
Hundreds of objections have been submitted opposing the One Silk Street scheme opposite the Barbican Centre. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...