One Battersea Bridge tower plans rejected after council backs local concerns
One Battersea Bridge tower plans have been firmly rejected by Wandsworth’s Planning Applications Committee, following a meeting where councillors ruled unanimously against the controversial proposals. The 28-storey development, including ground floor and basement levels, was judged to be out of step with the character and scale of the riverside area.
The decision, made on Thursday 24th May, came after council officers recommended refusal on the grounds that the building’s height and bulk breached the borough’s Local Plan and also failed to meet the design expectations set by the London Plan. Both documents outline how development should reflect its surroundings and preserve the balance of London’s neighbourhoods.
Simon Hogg, Leader of Wandsworth Council, underlined the committee’s role in balancing proposals against community feeling and planning law. Speaking after the meeting, he said, “The committee were unanimous about the harms of a 29-storey tower in this location, in breach of Wandsworth’s Local Plan which sets out acceptable heights for the area.” The scheme had attracted particular scrutiny because of its prominent position overlooking the Thames, near Battersea Bridge.
The developer’s proposal had argued that the tower would bring new housing and commercial opportunities. However, concerns were raised over the scale and the impact it could have had on views, overshadowing neighbouring buildings, and shifting the character of the riverside landscape. The committee’s decision reflected a wider principle embedded in Wandsworth’s planning strategy – that growth must be shaped in ways that reflect the needs and character of the borough, rather than simply maximising height or density.
The council has emphasised that its planning system is designed to defend local interests. The independent Planning Applications Committee exists to ensure that decisions are not just technical but reflect the values and aspirations of residents, aligning with the broader aim of ensuring land is used in ways that benefit local communities.
For those interested in the details behind the rejection, the full report (2024-1332 East) is available on the Wandsworth Council planning site.
For more updates on One Battersea Bridge tower plans and further insights into planning decisions across London, visit EyeOnLondon Wandsworth. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | www.wandsworth.gov.uk]
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