Rethink over regeneration of Wandsworth estate
By Charlotte Lilywhite, Local Democracy Reporter
Plans to regenerate a South London estate with 2,550 homes, better community facilities and a new park are set to be reviewed.
Wandsworth council will investigate delivering more affordable homes on the Winstanley and York Road Estate by looking again at the approved masterplan for its regeneration, after the authority changed hands from the Conservatives to Labour in 2022.
The council has agreed a settlement to allow developer Taylor Wimpey to exit the joint venture set up in 2017 to regenerate the estate in Battersea, so that it can prioritise the delivery of affordable homes.
The review will consider the level of affordable housing and community facilities proposed in the masterplan.
The masterplan includes the demolition of 759 homes on the estate in tower blocks up to 16 storeys tall, and the creation of 2,550 new homes, including 35 per cent affordable housing, in tower blocks up to 32 storeys tall. The plans date back to 2012 and were approved in 2020.
The first phase of the scheme has already been completed and includes 139 new homes, a games area, play area and the replacement of Thames Christian School and Battersea Chapel Baptist Church.
The authority is set to complete another block of 126 council homes by April, which will allow some tenants and leaseholders to move. Their empty properties will be available for use as temporary accommodation until the review.
The council is also progressing plans to build another block of 127 homes on the estate, with the aim of starting construction in January 2026. It will develop plans for the rest of the scheme by carrying out the review.
A new council report says: “The review is to adapt the existing scheme and masterplan to ensure it is fit-for-purpose now. It is logical to explore possible adaptations that may deliver a better fit with the new administration’s objectives.”
The authority will draw up a revised planning application for the masterplan if needed after the review, with the aim of submitting it at the end of 2026. The Greater London Authority (GLA) would then decide on the application in due course.
Pictured top: The Winstanley and York Road Estate, Battersea (Picture: Facundo Arrizabalaga)