Three-year community campaign to stop huge development blocked by Michael Gove
Michael Gove MP, Secretary of State for Leveling Up Housing and Communities, has approved planning permission for a huge development on the South Bank, despite a three-year community campaign by residents.
72 Upper Ground, a 25-floor office block planned on the former ITV studio site in Upper Ground, South Bank, has been criticised by campaigners, who say it will “obliterate” the South Bank skyline.
David Hopkins, director of community at Coin Street Community Builders, said: “Our community campaign, led by dedicated residents, volunteers and allies, has passionately opposed these misguided plans because of the vast bulk of the scheme and the lack of any much-needed housing.Â
“This monstrosity of an office development will change what it feels like to live around and visit the South Bank, robbing natural daylight from local people’s homes and casting the South Bank riverside walk into shadow.
“We will work to make sure the wellbeing of our community is considered as this development progresses and continue to fight for the soul of our neighbourhood.”
The plans, developed by Mitsubishi Estate London and CO-RE, were approved by Lambeth council at a meeting in March 2022.
But Mr Gove ordered a public inquiry into the plans following opposition from campaigners, Labour MP Florence Eshalomi and South Bank councillors.
Now complete, the inquiry’s inspector recommended that the application should be approved, and planning permission granted, subject to conditions.
While Mr Gove said he had “a different view on some matters” to the Inspector, overall, he has decided to grant permission.
In his decision, Mr Gove noted the proposal would deliver “substantial benefits” through the delivery of new public squares and that it would “increase opportunities to appreciate more of the South Banks’ heritage assets” from new vantage points.
ITV’s former studios at 72 Upper Ground would be bulldozed and replaced with offices, restaurants, shops and a new gallery under the developers’ plans for the site.
The Department for Leveling Up Housing and Communities has been approached for comment.
Pictured top: A view of the planned South Bank development from Waterloo Bridge (Picture: Make Architects)
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