Wandsworth residents slam plans for new student flats over ‘too tall’ tower blocks

Wandsworth: Folks in South London are really upset about plans for new student housing in their area. They think the buildings are just too tall. The proposal includes 434 student bedrooms on some old industrial land in Wandsworth Town.

The plan, put forward by Downing Living South, suggests two ten-storey blocks on Armoury Way. These would have a mix of cluster apartments and studios, plus some rooftop gardens. One block is even set to have shops on the ground and first floors.

This site used to be part of the old gasworks, which shut down in 2019. The new development would include a couple of disabled parking spots and plenty of bike parking, along with planting 66 new trees.

Residents have been writing to the council, worried about how tall these buildings will be and the extra pressure on Wandsworth Town station. One resident mentioned how the new blocks would block their light and privacy, saying it would really change their view of the sky, which is important for their wellbeing.

Another resident pointed out that Wandsworth already has enough tall buildings that overshadow the area. They urged the council to consider the long-term residents’ opinions and keep some spaces free from high rises.

One more person added that adding more residents would just make traffic worse and put a strain on the transport system, which isn’t sustainable for anyone living there.

In the application, the developers say they want to create ‘landmark buildings’ in this changing part of Wandsworth to help with the shortage of student housing. They argue that the area is well-connected by public transport and close to many universities.

The council will make a decision on this proposal soon.

Got a story? Email charlotte.lillywhite@reachplc.com

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