Plans for 29-storey Battersea tower opposed by Mick Jagger to go to public inquiry as developer fights refusal

"A developer has lodged an appeal against a council's refusal of its plans to build a 29-storey tower next to Battersea Bridge. The developer has now appealed to the Planning Inspectorate to overturn the council's decision and approve the controversial scheme to replace the six-storey Glassmill office building, on Battersea Bridge Road, with the tower. Inspector Joanna Gilbert will make a decision on the appeal in due course."

"It applied in 2024 to build the tower with 110 flats, including 54 affordable homes to be offered at social rent, workspace for small businesses, a restaurant and hub for local charities. But the council's planning committee unanimously turned down the scheme in April last year, agreeing the tower would be too big for the constrained site, spoil the skyline and "devastate" neighbours' lives."

"Sir Mick Jagger and other stars including Eric Clapton, actress Felicity Kendal, TV presenter Anthea Turner and comedian Harry Hill were among those to object to the scheme. Objections were also raised by a roll-call of groups including Historic England, the Chelsea Society, the Battersea Society and the neighbouring borough of Kensington and Chelsea. Wandsworth Council Leader Simon Hogg and local MP Marsha de Cordova have also spoken out against the scheme."

A developer has appealed to the Planning Inspectorate seeking approval for a proposed 29-storey tower to replace the six-storey Glassmill office building on Battersea Bridge Road. The scheme was reduced from an original proposal of up to 39 storeys to 29 storeys and would include 110 flats, 54 affordable homes offered at social rent, workspace for small businesses, a restaurant and a hub for local charities. Wandsworth Council's planning committee unanimously refused the application on grounds of scale, harm to the skyline and adverse impact on neighbours. Numerous public figures, heritage bodies and local organisations objected, and council officers noted the site sits in a mid-rise zone where six storeys is considered appropriate.

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