Wandsworth council has rejected a proposal for high-rise student housing, citing concerns over community needs and the area’s character.
The council’s not on board with this one. They’ve raised their objections, and now it’s up to the Planning Inspectorate to decide what happens next. The developer, Watkin Jones Group, wanted to tear down the old Booker Cash & Carry on Battersea Park Road to make way for these towers.
The plan included a 12-story building with affordable homes, but the council is worried about the height and the fact that most of the space would be for students. Some councillors think the area needs more permanent residents and local amenities, like doctors and supermarkets, rather than just transient living.
Interestingly, the planning committee was split on this. Five councillors were against it, while four were in favor. They went against the advice of council officers, who thought the affordable housing aspect was a big plus.
The development would have included some parking spaces and a bunch of new trees, but it seems the council is more focused on keeping the neighborhood feel intact. Now, we just have to wait and see what the Planning Inspectorate decides.
