Cllr Liza Begum

THE city council was forced into a “major u-turn” yesterday, Thursday, after it was forced to put back a crunch decision on a £200million heating system revamp.

The Pimlico District Heat Undertaking (PDHU) – which is used by 3,000 homes and business premises – has been put on ice.

The decision on whether to approve a new system was due early next year but the council needed to do more technical work and have extended engagement with residents.

The decision follows a campaign by residents concerned about incoming regulatory changes and stinging leaseholder bills.

Pimlico Unites, a group of more than 600 residents opposed to the project, claimed victory. The group said yesterday: “Westminster City Council has announced a major U-turn, delaying its controversial £200million PDHU heat network decision … a significant victory for the 610 residents.

“This climbdown vindicates what Pimlico Unites has argued all along: rushing into irreversible decisions affecting 3,300 homes before knowing the regulatory standards was reckless and irresponsible.

“This delay allows time for proper technical analysis and assessment of all viable options… Most importantly, it prevents the council from locking residents into systems that might not meet forthcoming standards or pricing rules designed to protect consumers.

“We won this pause through organised resident action, detailed technical scrutiny, and formal legal challenge.”

It added: “The fight isn’t over!

“We’ll hold the council to meaningful engagement and proper consideration of all options. But today resident power has forced a council retreat.”

Westminster City Council said it expects to return to the decision at the end of next year.

Residents have for years been complaining about the heating system with frequent leaks and costly repairs.

The council’s proposals to replace it had been “called in” by opposition councillors and there was a protest earlier this month.

The Energy Ombuds­man has also written to the council with a series of recommendations about its proposals.

Council cabinet member for housing services Cllr Liza Begum said: “This decision is about doing what is right for the local community.

“Addressing the significant issues is also time critical.

“The PDHU is getting old, is inefficient, and very costly to keep repairing. That’s why work continues at pace to ensure the community has a reliable, cost-effective, controllable, efficient energy supply.”