Plans for 400 new flats in Earlsfield given go-ahead

By Sian Bayley, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans to build more than 400 new flats in Earlsfield have been approved by Wandsworth council.

The new homes will be built on the Riverside Business Centre and Flip Out Trampoline Centre just off Garratt Lane.

Of the 402 homes, 62 will be at social rent, and 60 at intermediate rent.

Some councillors questioned the large number of studio and one-bedroom flats, accounting for 186, or 46 per cent of all homes on the site.

However, officers said this was counteracted by the range of unit sizes across the development, and the relatively high number of three and four bedroom homes at social rent.

The development will also include office, leisure and light industrial space as well as a riverside walk.

The development will be made up of three main sections, including The Riverside Factory, a commercial business centre in Garratt Lane, The Courtyard buildings, which will be residential, and for community use, and The Riverside Buildings, with more residential and community space along the River Wandle.

There were 42 objections to the scheme in the original consultation mainly about the height of the buildings, loss of light, and congestion in the area.

The height of the tallest building has since been reduced from 14 to nine storeys.

Ward councillors Angela Graham and Graeme Henderson both spoke about the need to provide new space for existing business and the sustainability of the development.

Cllr Henderson added that he wanted to make sure that the impact of coronavirus would not impact on the quantity of affordable housing.

The development was approved unanimously.