Residents fear losing view of The Shard if tower block development goes ahead

By Charlotte Lillywhite, Local Democracy Reporter

Angry residents say they will lose views of famous landmarks like The Shard and London Eye if plans for a massive tower block are approved.

They argued their view of London’s skyline is already disappearing and raised fears they will lose more of its sights if the 23-storey tower block is built in Battersea.

The tower block on Lombard Road would include 294 homes, including 90 affordable homes, and space for shops.

The scheme has been proposed by Fizzy Battersea Propco LLP and Big Yellow (Battersea) Ltd, and the flats would be designed for renting.

It comes after previous plans for a slightly taller building on the same site were thrown out by Wandsworth council last year over a lack of affordable housing.

The 24-storey tower block would have included 547 shared living units managed by Greystar.

The new scheme, from the same applicants, instead proposes a traditional residential scheme with affordable homes. There is currently a Halfords and Pets at Home on the site.

But residents have slammed the plans in objection letters to the council. One objector lives in Viewpoint, on York Road, and said residents are “steadily losing any and all views we had”.

She argued it is “inappropriate for this area to have even further residential units” and that hundreds more residents would “strain the few available amenities”.

She said: “The skyline from my building is disappearing, I have lost my view of the London Eye in the last two years and this overbearing building will block out The Shard and the Power Station not to mention affect the privacy of my home and those of my neighbours.”

Another said residents do not need “yet another noisy construction site that will bring congestion and pollution”.

He continued: “The building will also obscure views of the city, London Eye and Vauxhall from many of the riverside flats which have already lost many of their prized views over recent years and will further devalue these properties.”

Planning documents, submitted on behalf of the application, argued the site is in a “prime urban location, benefitting from excellent access to amenities and transport links, located approximately 10-minutes’ walk from Clapham Junction station and Battersea Square”.

Permission has already been granted for a 20-storey tower block on the site with 168 homes, along with a Big Yellow Self Storage facility which has already been completed. The council’s planning committee is set to make a decision on the new scheme on July 18.

A Greystar spokesperson said: “Through this new application, we are seeking to improve the design of the previously consented scheme to create a thoughtfully-designed building that fits into its surroundings.

“We have consulted our neighbours on the plans and will continue to engage with them through the next stages, should the planning application be approved.”

Pictured top: CGI of the 57-59 Lombard Road scheme (Picture: Hawkins\Brown/Greystar/Fizzy Battersea Propco LLP and Big Yellow (Battersea) Ltd)