Controversial plans for a 38-storey apartment block at the bottom of Battersea Bridge have been changed after more than 330 objections. One resident said the tower would ‘stick out like the world’s largest sore thumb’.
Developer Rockwell Property confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the proposed height of the tower at 1 Battersea Bridge Road will be reduced after reviewing feedback from residents, including during consultation events in November. It means the number of proposed homes will also be slashed, with the original scheme allowing for up to 170.
The Glassmill office building at the corner of the River Thames and Battersea Bridge Road would be demolished to make way for the new apartment block, which would also have offices and community space. Rockwell is now finalising the planning application for the revised scheme, which it aims to submit in spring. Details on the changes to the original plans will be revealed in due course.
A Rockwell spokesperson told the LDRS: “Although this will mean a reduction in the number of units, we are proud of our proposal which will deliver best-in-class homes for Londoners and much-needed affordable homes exceeding Wandsworth Council’s affordable housing policy targets. We will also deliver affordable workspace for local businesses and create new spaces for the community.”
The changes mean Rockwell has withdrawn the scoping opinion request it submitted to Wandsworth Council for the original plans, which aimed to determine the level of information needed for the environmental statement in the planning application. It had received 339 objections.
One resident wrote the “ridiculously tall building” would “stick out like the world’s largest sore thumb”. He said: “It would be a very quick way to ruin the feel of the whole place. It is entirely incongruous with its surroundings, with our Battersea, with the whole charming aesthetic of our neighbourhood.”
Another resident described the proposed tower as a “monstrosity”. She commented: “Having lived in the area for 15 years I am very much in support of any progressive and positive development. This is not it. The proposed building takes from the residents of Battersea – the skyline, the beautiful view along the river – and all it gives in return is a hideous eyesore.”
Regarding the revised scheme, the Rockwell spokesperson added: “Rockwell is committed to creating a lasting legacy for Battersea and our proposal will include a free-to-access community space which will be run and managed by local charities. We also recognise the need to enhance biodiversity and urban greening in this part of Wandsworth, and we are proposing significant public realm upgrades along the Thames Path and Battersea Bridge Road.
“One Battersea Bridge will be an exemplar development targeting net zero in construction and operation. It has huge potential to contribute positively to this thriving part of London, and we look forward to progressing our proposal for this exceptional development.”
Image: The existing Glassmill building on the site on Battersea Bridge Road, Battersea. Credit: Google Maps
