Ben Lynch
@benlynch07.bsky.social
Local Democracy Reporter, covering City of London / Hammersmith and Fulham / Westminster / Kensington and Chelsea / ben.lynch@reachplc.com
Controversial £1.2bn redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station given the green light by City planners www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
London's busiest station set for 'disfiguring' £1.2bn redevelopment
Applicant Network Rail and backers of the scheme argued the redevelopment is necessary to make the station fit for purpose
www.mylondon.news
February 10, 2026 at 7:07 PM
Controversial £1.2bn redevelopment of Liverpool Street Station given the green light by City planners www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Hammersmith Civic Campus update: Project to be completed by the summer, council leader confirms, with sections to begin opening this month. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Massive development delivering homes and restaurants 'completed by summer'
The Civic Campus, which is nearing completion on King Street in Hammersmith, is to begin opening later this month
www.mylondon.news
February 10, 2026 at 1:17 PM
Hammersmith Civic Campus update: Project to be completed by the summer, council leader confirms, with sections to begin opening this month. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Proposed refurb of the London Stock Exchange Group's HQ given the green light by City of London planners. Documents state the scheme will "deliver a revitalised and fit for purpose international headquarters". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
London Stock Exchange HQ to be refurbished with 3 extensions planned
Work on the group's Paternoster Square base, near St Paul's Cathedral, is expected to begin in 2027 and be completed in early 2029
www.mylondon.news
February 9, 2026 at 4:28 PM
Proposed refurb of the London Stock Exchange Group's HQ given the green light by City of London planners. Documents state the scheme will "deliver a revitalised and fit for purpose international headquarters". www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
More than £50 million has been spent on Hammersmith Bridge by the local council since its partial closure seven years ago, new data reveals.
The money has been spent to ensure the crossing remains stable and safe while also preparing it to be restored. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
The money has been spent to ensure the crossing remains stable and safe while also preparing it to be restored. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Spend on key bridge tops £50m since partial closure
Hammersmith Bridge was shut to motor vehicles in 2019 after micro-fractures were discovered in its pedestals
www.mylondon.news
February 6, 2026 at 8:47 AM
More than £50 million has been spent on Hammersmith Bridge by the local council since its partial closure seven years ago, new data reveals.
The money has been spent to ensure the crossing remains stable and safe while also preparing it to be restored. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
The money has been spent to ensure the crossing remains stable and safe while also preparing it to be restored. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
And now on the Beeb www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Liverpool Street station revamp recommended for approval
Planning officers back Network Rail's proposals for the London station, despite objections.
www.bbc.co.uk
February 5, 2026 at 9:15 AM
And now on the Beeb www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
At CoL Magistrates' Court today as a McDonald's franchisee appealed Hammersmith and Fulham's refusal of a licence extension.
H&F rejected the app last year after major local opposition. Proceedings to end tomorrow with a decision expected on Feb 13. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
H&F rejected the app last year after major local opposition. Proceedings to end tomorrow with a decision expected on Feb 13. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Neighbourhood ‘cannot take the harm’ if McDonald’s extends opening hours
Hammersmith and Fulham Council's decision to refuse McDonald's permission to extend the hours of its North End Road restaurant is being appealed in court
www.mylondon.news
February 4, 2026 at 6:13 PM
At CoL Magistrates' Court today as a McDonald's franchisee appealed Hammersmith and Fulham's refusal of a licence extension.
H&F rejected the app last year after major local opposition. Proceedings to end tomorrow with a decision expected on Feb 13. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
H&F rejected the app last year after major local opposition. Proceedings to end tomorrow with a decision expected on Feb 13. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is proposing another balanced budget for 2026/27, despite being one of those due to take a hit to its Government funding as a result of recent reforms. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Borough with country's third lowest council tax decides against big hike
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is one of several Inner London councils to see reduced funding as a result of the Fair Funding Review but it won't go above the usual 4.99 per cent council tax rise
www.mylondon.news
February 4, 2026 at 8:38 AM
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is proposing another balanced budget for 2026/27, despite being one of those due to take a hit to its Government funding as a result of recent reforms. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
City of London planners are recommending controversial plans to redevelop Liverpool Street Station be approved at a meeting on Feb 10. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Plan for 19-storey tower above Britain's busiest station set for approval
Network Rail's £1.2 billion scheme has been met with significant opposition, with more than 2,000 objections filed
www.mylondon.news
February 4, 2026 at 8:35 AM
City of London planners are recommending controversial plans to redevelop Liverpool Street Station be approved at a meeting on Feb 10. www.mylondon.news/news/transpo...
Approved West London development of 2,500 homes 'aimed at the wealthy' as Mayor urged to step in www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Campaigners fighting approved 2,500-home scheme urge Mayor to intervene
The Kensal Canalside development was given the green light by Kensington and Chelsea councillors in November
www.mylondon.news
January 12, 2026 at 2:11 PM
Approved West London development of 2,500 homes 'aimed at the wealthy' as Mayor urged to step in www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Concerns have been raised about potential relocation of Canalside House tenants to allow for a major redevelopment to take place. RBKC reportedly speaking with them about moving to vacant units under the Westway. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
'Treated with contempt': Displaced community groups offered space under A40
The Kensal Canalside proposal was approved by Kensington and Chelsea councillors last November though concerns have been ongoing about the fate of Canalside House tenants
www.mylondon.news
January 9, 2026 at 8:57 AM
Concerns have been raised about potential relocation of Canalside House tenants to allow for a major redevelopment to take place. RBKC reportedly speaking with them about moving to vacant units under the Westway. www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
In lighter news - Hampstead Heath’s Mixed Pond could open all-year-round due to 'popularity of open water swimming' www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Hampstead Heath’s Mixed Pond could open all year due to 'popularity'
The Mixed Pond is one of three bathing ponds on the Heath, the other two being the Kenwood Ladies’ Pond and Highgate Men’s Pond
www.mylondon.news
January 7, 2026 at 4:20 PM
In lighter news - Hampstead Heath’s Mixed Pond could open all-year-round due to 'popularity of open water swimming' www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
More controversy over awarding of North London cafes to Daisy Green, as it emerges the remarketing agent has previously worked with the operator.
Agent and landowner City of London insist process was fair and does not constitute a conflict of interest. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Agent and landowner City of London insist process was fair and does not constitute a conflict of interest. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Cafés' new operator worked with agent before - firm insists process was fair
Concerns have been raised after it was discovered that Daisy Green, which was recently awarded contracts for four cafés, has previously worked with Davis Coffer Lyons
www.mylondon.news
January 7, 2026 at 8:55 AM
More controversy over awarding of North London cafes to Daisy Green, as it emerges the remarketing agent has previously worked with the operator.
Agent and landowner City of London insist process was fair and does not constitute a conflict of interest. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Agent and landowner City of London insist process was fair and does not constitute a conflict of interest. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Reposted by Ben Lynch
Google has a new feature where you can choose the news providers you trust and want to see in search results. So if you've valued MyLondon's work, in housing, transport, human stories and scrutinising the city's councils, please do add us via this link www.google.com/preferences/...
www.google.com
January 2, 2026 at 9:06 AM
Google has a new feature where you can choose the news providers you trust and want to see in search results. So if you've valued MyLondon's work, in housing, transport, human stories and scrutinising the city's councils, please do add us via this link www.google.com/preferences/...
Westminster has faced a huge rise in homeless households approaching it for support in recent years.
While prioritising local properties, this planned purchase of homes in Lambeth is part of a wider commitment to addressing homelessness in the City. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
While prioritising local properties, this planned purchase of homes in Lambeth is part of a wider commitment to addressing homelessness in the City. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Council looking to ease housing pressures by buying London properties
Westminster City Council has experienced a huge rise in homeless households approaching it for support in recent years, with associated costs also rocketing
www.mylondon.news
December 31, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Westminster has faced a huge rise in homeless households approaching it for support in recent years.
While prioritising local properties, this planned purchase of homes in Lambeth is part of a wider commitment to addressing homelessness in the City. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
While prioritising local properties, this planned purchase of homes in Lambeth is part of a wider commitment to addressing homelessness in the City. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Now live on BBC London www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
Café campaign to keep operators collects thousands of signatures
Leases for cafés in Hampstead Heath, Queen's Park and Highgate Wood went to a London coffee chain.
www.bbc.co.uk
December 31, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Now live on BBC London www.bbc.co.uk/news/article...
North London cafés latest - Thousands sign petition launched just days ago urging the City of London to retain the current operators. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Thousands back café owners as petition calls for them to be reinstated
Five cafés had their leases put up for tender earlier this year, four of which are to go to the Aussie-inspired chain Daisy Green
www.mylondon.news
December 30, 2025 at 8:48 AM
North London cafés latest - Thousands sign petition launched just days ago urging the City of London to retain the current operators. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Worth noting not all councils would even consider this to be fly-tipping.
Hammersmith and Fulham earlier this year updated its information re fines, including that normal household waste not put out at the correct times for collection will be dealt with as a littering offence.
Hammersmith and Fulham earlier this year updated its information re fines, including that normal household waste not put out at the correct times for collection will be dealt with as a littering offence.
'tis the season of goodwill - unless you are
@hounslowcouncil.bsky.social as an NHS nurse's £1,000 fine won't be cancelled despite a 1,200-strong petition www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
@hounslowcouncil.bsky.social as an NHS nurse's £1,000 fine won't be cancelled despite a 1,200-strong petition www.mylondon.news/news/west-lo...
Hounslow Council refuse to cancel NHS nurse's £1k fine despite petition
Loretta Alvarez still faces paying £1,000 for placing an envelope next to an overflowing communal bin outside her home in Feltham
www.mylondon.news
December 29, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Worth noting not all councils would even consider this to be fly-tipping.
Hammersmith and Fulham earlier this year updated its information re fines, including that normal household waste not put out at the correct times for collection will be dealt with as a littering offence.
Hammersmith and Fulham earlier this year updated its information re fines, including that normal household waste not put out at the correct times for collection will be dealt with as a littering offence.
Reposted by Ben Lynch
Disturbing findings from a year-long @thelondonstandard.bsky.social investigation
- Magistrates routinely sit in secret to approve utility warrants
- They don't even look at most applications
- Rule breaches aren't investigated
Chief Magistrate looking into this
www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/magi...
- Magistrates routinely sit in secret to approve utility warrants
- They don't even look at most applications
- Rule breaches aren't investigated
Chief Magistrate looking into this
www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/magi...
Fresh fury over secret courts allowing energy firms break into homes
The Chief Magistrate is investigating after concerns about the utility warrant system were uncovered by The Standard
www.standard.co.uk
December 22, 2025 at 9:42 AM
Disturbing findings from a year-long @thelondonstandard.bsky.social investigation
- Magistrates routinely sit in secret to approve utility warrants
- They don't even look at most applications
- Rule breaches aren't investigated
Chief Magistrate looking into this
www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/magi...
- Magistrates routinely sit in secret to approve utility warrants
- They don't even look at most applications
- Rule breaches aren't investigated
Chief Magistrate looking into this
www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/magi...
Reposted by Ben Lynch
Part of Regent Street would be made traffic-free in a separate plan to the much-publicised Oxford Street pedestrianisation
Second London pedestrianisation plan 'backed by 60 per cent of people'
www.mylondon.news
December 20, 2025 at 8:19 AM
Part of Regent Street would be made traffic-free in a separate plan to the much-publicised Oxford Street pedestrianisation
Reposted by Ben Lynch
Six councils including five in London have been granted flexibility to increase council tax by more than five per cent in 2026/27 however some have said they won't do it
5 London councils allowed to impose large tax rises in 2026 but some won't
www.mylondon.news
December 20, 2025 at 9:23 AM
Six councils including five in London have been granted flexibility to increase council tax by more than five per cent in 2026/27 however some have said they won't do it
Big news from the back end of last week - the operators of four popular North London cafés are to be replaced by Aussie-inspired chain Daisy Green.
An operator for a fifth café in Highgate Wood is yet to be announced. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
An operator for a fifth café in Highgate Wood is yet to be announced. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
4 North London café operators ousted as leases handed to chain
The Aussie-inspired Daisy Green has been described as an 'independent London based business' but with these new sites it will now have 20 cafés in the city
www.mylondon.news
December 22, 2025 at 8:48 AM
Big news from the back end of last week - the operators of four popular North London cafés are to be replaced by Aussie-inspired chain Daisy Green.
An operator for a fifth café in Highgate Wood is yet to be announced. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
An operator for a fifth café in Highgate Wood is yet to be announced. www.mylondon.news/whats-on/wha...
Cyber attack update: It is understood that attempts have been made by hackers to target staff at Westminster City Council via Microsoft Teams.
Follows Adrian Zorzut's piece earlier this week confirming data had been taken following November's attack. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Follows Adrian Zorzut's piece earlier this week confirming data had been taken following November's attack. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Staff at London council targeted on Microsoft Teams by cyber attackers
Westminster City Council was one of three London local authorities hit by the cyber attack in November
www.mylondon.news
December 19, 2025 at 10:12 AM
Cyber attack update: It is understood that attempts have been made by hackers to target staff at Westminster City Council via Microsoft Teams.
Follows Adrian Zorzut's piece earlier this week confirming data had been taken following November's attack. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Follows Adrian Zorzut's piece earlier this week confirming data had been taken following November's attack. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
Campaigners are calling for an update on the futures of five North London cafes to be communicated 'as a matter of urgency'.
A decision was expected to be made at a committee meeting last week, though operators have received no news since. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
A decision was expected to be made at a committee meeting last week, though operators have received no news since. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
5 North London cafés still in dark about whether they'll have to close
The City of London Corporation is yet to communicate the outcome to the operators following a remarketing process that began over the summer
www.mylondon.news
December 18, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Campaigners are calling for an update on the futures of five North London cafes to be communicated 'as a matter of urgency'.
A decision was expected to be made at a committee meeting last week, though operators have received no news since. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
A decision was expected to be made at a committee meeting last week, though operators have received no news since. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
A recap of yesterday's permission hearing, on whether to allow Sex Matters' legal case on trans access to Hampstead Heath's ponds to go to a full judicial review.
A decision is due to be published 'as soon as possible' in the new year. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
A decision is due to be published 'as soon as possible' in the new year. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
Decision to be made on Hampstead Heath Ponds rules for Trans people
Currently the policies entitle trans men and trans women to use the pond of their choice
www.mylondon.news
December 18, 2025 at 9:19 AM
A recap of yesterday's permission hearing, on whether to allow Sex Matters' legal case on trans access to Hampstead Heath's ponds to go to a full judicial review.
A decision is due to be published 'as soon as possible' in the new year. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
A decision is due to be published 'as soon as possible' in the new year. www.mylondon.news/news/north-l...
The final City of London meeting of the year saw a large sum of money allocated to support the refurb of its housing estates.
The sources of the funding however drew criticism from some members, in particular the potential burden for leaseholders. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
The sources of the funding however drew criticism from some members, in particular the potential burden for leaseholders. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
£151m approved to fix estates in several boroughs run by same landlord
The City of London Corporation's approval follows repeated concerns raised about the state of its housing stock
www.mylondon.news
December 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
The final City of London meeting of the year saw a large sum of money allocated to support the refurb of its housing estates.
The sources of the funding however drew criticism from some members, in particular the potential burden for leaseholders. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...
The sources of the funding however drew criticism from some members, in particular the potential burden for leaseholders. www.mylondon.news/news/zone-1-...