What are the implications of a developer’s appeal regarding a controversial tower in Battersea? A public inquiry is set to take place following the rejection of plans for a 29-storey building at the base of Battersea Bridge.
The developer, Rockwell, officially contested Wandsworth Council’s previous decision, which deemed the proposal „grossly unacceptable.“ This judgment was made last year, as the council asserted that the project did not comply with local policies and did not adequately serve community needs.
Details of the Appeal
Rockwell has sought intervention from the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the council’s denial and approve plans to replace the existing six-storey Glassmill office building with the new tower. Inspector Joanna Gilbert will evaluate the appeal.
Initially, Rockwell’s plans involved a structure reaching up to 39 storeys, but they later reduced the height to 29 storeys. The revised proposal from 2024 includes 110 residential units, with 54 designated as affordable housing under social rent, in addition to workspaces for small enterprises and a community hub for local charities.
Community Pushback
In April of the previous year, the planning committee unanimously rejected the proposal. They argued that the tower’s size was inappropriate for the location, expressing concerns that it would disrupt the skyline and negatively impact the quality of life for local residents. Further, there were doubts regarding the assurance of affordable housing, as any commitment would require additional viability assessments if the project proceeds.
The Wandsworth Local Plan for 2023-2038 indicates that the area is designated for mid-rise buildings, allowing a maximum height of six storeys or 18 meters. Council representatives indicated that the project would contribute minimally to the borough’s housing demands, especially when considering existing and forthcoming developments.
Local and Celebrity Opposition
A letter from Labour councillors Jessica Lee and Jamie Colclough emphasized community sentiments against developments that prioritize profit over local character and welfare. Conservative councillor Ravi Govindia echoed the sentiment, labeling the plan as „grossly unacceptable.“
The Greater London Authority (GLA) upheld the council’s refusal the following month, citing insufficient grounds for the Mayor’s involvement.
Community opposition was robust, with significant concerns regarding the project’s scale and its implications for local traffic. Rob McGibbon, editor of The Chelsea Citizen, spearheaded a petition against the development, which garnered over 5,000 signatures, supported by public figures such as Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton.
In response to the council’s rejection, McGibbon remarked on the overwhelming evidence presented during the planning committee meeting, calling for Rockwell to abandon the proposal. He argued that the scheme was unsuitable for the area and highlighted the community’s discontent.
Developer’s Response
Despite the strong opposition, Nicholas Mee, Managing Director at Rockwell, remains committed to the proposal, emphasizing its potential to revitalize an underused brownfield site with urgently needed homes, of which half would be classified as affordable housing. He indicated that the proposal aligns with regional and local housing targets and could significantly benefit families facing housing instability.
The inquiry is scheduled to commence on March 17 and is projected to last for eight days.
Bildquelle: Bildquelle: Sabine Freiberger auf Unsplash
