Plans to put a 14-storey tower in South London suburbia have taken a step forward despite over 1,000 people objecting to the proposals. Planners from Lambeth Council have recommended councillors approve the 237 home scheme on a site currently home to a Homebase store in Streatham.
But locals have branded the proposed development ‘monstrous’, saying that it looks like something from the Soviet Union. They have written to Lambeth councillors asking them to reject the proposals when they go before a planning committee on Tuesday (March 19).
In an open letter, they write: “The proposal to build 237 homes with a gigantic 14-storey tower in the middle of low rise suburban Streatham Vale, sets a dangerous precedent for councils pushing through over development in areas simply not suited or able to cope with the additional stresses such schemes impose on local infrastructure and amenities.
“Indeed the site has been developed to such density that it imposes constraints of the type one might find in an inner city area where space is at a premium, whereas this site has no such constraints other than the desire to maximise the quantum.”
The letter goes on to criticise the development for including single aspect flats (where windows are only on one side of the property). Of the 237 homes planned, 31 will be single aspect.
It also raises concerns about noise pollution from a nearby railway line, criticises the placement of some kids’ play areas on the roof of buildings and questions the lack of parking spaces included in the development.
According to council planning documents, play space for kids aged between zero and four would be built on the rooftops of two of the planned buildings, one eight-storeys high and the other seven-storeys tall. There would also be over 500 sq metres of play area elsewhere in the development.
Despite having effectively no parking spaces, planning documents say the development is expected to have a ‘negligible’ impact on local bus routes and trains from Streatham Common station. But the council report warns that the lack of on-street controlled parking in the area will likely mean the planned flats cause ‘a very high level of local parking stress’.
The proposals include 52 social rent homes and 29 shared ownership properties, where a person buys a portion of a property and pays rent on the remaining amount to a housing association. A GP surgery is expected to move into a unit included in the development.
The plans are being brought forward by developer Hadley Property Group, alongside housing association Clarion Housing Group.
Emily Smith, co-leader of a residents’ group opposed to the plans, said: “This prison-like development has more in common with Azkaban than Streatham. This area has no other high-rise developments. It’s dominated by late Victorian housing no more than three-storeys high so this block of flats is completely out of character.
“It will block light from surrounding properties and create a horrible environment for both its new residents and those already living in the area.”
Over 1,000 people have signed a petition created by local campaigners demanding that Hadley Property Group reduces the height and density of the development.
Hadley Property Group and Clarion Housing Group were contacted for comment but had failed to reply at the time of publication.
Photos:
Streatham residents outside the under threat Homebase store. Credit: Robert Firth
Hundreds of people have objected to the plans on Lambeth Council”s website. Credit: Woodgate Tower Protest Group
CGI of planned tower as seen from Woodgate Drive, Streatham.
CGI of planned tower as seen from Woodgate Drive, Streatham. Credits: Lambeth Council planning documents
