‘Unimaginable’ London tower blocks that would house 800 people rejected – but decision isn’t final

London: So, there’s been some drama in South London over a big housing project. Wandsworth Council just shot down plans for three tower blocks that would’ve housed around 800 people, including students. The proposal was for 55 flats and a whopping 762 student bedrooms, all in buildings up to 22 stories high.

The developer, Watkin Jones Group, wanted to tear down the old Booker Cash & Carry on Battersea Park Road to make way for this project. They had plans for a 12-storey block with affordable homes and two taller buildings for students. Plus, there were plans for shops and community spaces on the ground floor.

Interestingly, the site already had permission for a different project back in 2019, but nothing got built. So, Watkin Jones came back with new plans last year and even appealed when the council didn’t decide quickly enough. Now, it’s up to the Planning Inspectorate to make the final call.

On Tuesday, the council’s Planning Committee said they would’ve rejected the application if they had the final say. They went against their own officers, who thought the affordable housing was a big plus. Five councillors were against the plan, worried about the height and the focus on student living instead of family homes.

One councillor, Mark Justin, expressed concerns about the area needing more permanent residents and amenities like doctors and supermarkets. Another, Finna Ayres, said the scale of the project was “almost unimaginable.”

The development would include some parking spaces and a bunch of bike parking, plus they planned to plant 73 new trees. The documents from the application said Battersea is growing fast and becoming a great place to live and work, making this project a perfect fit.

Now, we just have to wait for the Planning Inspectorate to make their decision. Fingers crossed for a good outcome!