A petition opposing plans to open a new Gail’s bakery next to Brixton Tube station has been signed by more than 1,000 people.
Earlier this month (June 11), the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) revealed how the bakery and coffee shop chain had submitted proposals to open a new store at 439 Brixton Road.
The plans have already faced strong opposition from local communities in Brixton and at the time of publication, a Change.org petition against the proposals has amassed 1,074 signatures.
The petition was created by Ruby Bukhari, who recently stood as a candidate for the Shake It Up party during the May local elections.
The petition sets out several key demands, including recognising the potential impact that Gail’s could have on small independent traders and businesses, which are already facing financial issues. The petition states: “The proposed development of a Gail’s Bakery branch in Brixton is causing genuine concern among residents and local business owners.
“Many fear that the introduction of another large chain bakery will not only disrupt the distinctive character of our area but also directly threaten the livelihoods of our cherished local bakers and café owners.”
It goes on to state: “Independent businesses in Brixton have thrived on community support, offering personal attention and unique experiences that large chains simply cannot replicate.
“This petition is not against bakeries or new investment in Brixton. Rather, it is a call to protect the area’s independent spirit and ensure that development supports local entrepreneurs and preserves the distinct identity of the neighbourhood.”
Gail’s submitted the plans to Lambeth Council’s Planning Portal on Wednesday, May 13 and residents and local businesses had until last Friday (June 19) to have their say on the proposals.
During the public consultation, 30 objecting comments and one comment in support were received and published on the Planning Portal.
One objector said Gail’s “does not fit with the local culture of the area”, arguing its prices are unaffordable to most local residents.
They said: “It is furthermore part of a continued displacement of long-standing Black and working-class residents, a shrinking space for independent and culturally rooted businesses, and contributes towards creating a London made of standardisation, exclusion, and uniformity, rather than celebrating one of diversity, vibrance, community and cohesion.”
Another objector said the arrival of “another national chain like Gail’s risks accelerating a process of gentrification” which they said many residents already feel is “eroding the area’s distinct character”.
Meanwhile the only supporting commenter said: “The old storefront was an eyesore – strongly support this application which will improve Brixton station for all residents walking through it to get to work.”
According to the Planning Portal, Transport Lambeth, Brixton Society, Transport for London (TfL) Road Network Development, Conservation and Urban Design and Helen Hayes, the Labour MP for Dulwich and West Norwood were all consulted on the plans.
However, only three out of the five stakeholders responded to the plans. The responding consultees and their comments are not publicly available.
What are Gail’s plans?
At the end of November 2025, Gail’s unveiled plans to rapidly expand its stores by opening 40 more outlets after its sales rose by a fifth during the previous year.
The proposed site is currently empty and was last occupied by the fast-food chain, Chopstix. Gail’s has sought planning permission so it can make some alterations to the store, including removing the existing shopfront and installing new signs.
Gail’s is known for its cinnamon buns and sourdough loaves, but with the cost of one bun setting you back £4 and loaves that start from £4.90, the chain has been accused by some of being “insanely overpriced” and has become synonymous in London with gentrification.
Independent businesses are already struggling in Brixton, and earlier this year the owner of Brixton News was forced to close his news stand of 36 years after being “priced out” by TfL.
Pritesh Patel, whose news stand was located inside Brixton Tube station and only metres away from the potential site for the new Gail’s, said TfL bosses told him he’d have to pay £85,000 a year if he wanted to remain at the site, which was more than double his previous rate.
A similar case is currently unravelling in Oval, where a family-run café inside the Tube station has been told its lease will not be renewed by TfL.
Old Roots Café, which has operated inside the London Underground station for the past 20 years, says it will be forced to shut by summer next year if the proposed changes go ahead.
Metin Balci, from Old Roots Café, previously said: “TfL are limiting small businesses that are trying to run in their stations.
“We’re all being replaced by Gail’s, Pret and Greggs, but there’s no way we can compete with them. If this continues there will be no independent businesses left in stations.”
Now the public consultation is over, planning officers will need to review all of the information including comments from the public. The application will be assessed against local and national policies as part of a recommendation report.
The plans will then be decided by either a planning officer or will be referred to Lambeth Council’s Planning Applications Committee.
