16-storey block approved despite fears it could turn area into “Hong Kong”

By James Mayer, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a 16-storey block have been approved after locals raised fears their town could look like “Hong Kong”.

Vision Develop will build the tower block in Yelverton Road in Battersea.

The building will include offices and creative space, as well as more than 70 flats, but many people are furious at plans.

In planning documents, resident Olga Strauchold said: “Not another high rise in the neighbourhood.

“I live in the low rise in Wye Street and yet another high-rise building will make it even more claustrophobic and secluded than it already is.

“Don’t turn Battersea into another Hong Kong or Shanghai with all these towers, preserve its charm and beauty.”

Resident Stephen Mitchell said: “The proposed building is too high and will completely obscure the skyline and light to surrounding properties.”

The Battersea Society also objected to plans on the grounds of the design and height, lack of public transport capacity, as well as too many of the flats being one bedroom.

Developers say there will be 41 affordable homes with a mixture of one, two and three-bed flats.

There will be a communal garden, six parking spaces, bicycle docks at the basement level, a disabled car parking space in Yelverton Road and visitor cycle spaces on York Road.

Plans were approved unanimously by councillors on Wandsworth council’s planning committee yesterday.

Vision Develop was previously contacted for comment.

Developers said in planning documents: “The proposal represents a significant investment on to the site, and therefore into Wandsworth.

“The creation of a new office space will improve the balance of office accommodation in this area of the borough and will provide new employment opportunities and economic benefits.

“Furthermore, the introduction of housing to the site, with the maximum viable proportion of affordable units, will assist social inclusion and economic vitality, again by bringing a diverse range of new inhabitants to the area.”