Clapham Junction Action Group

Skyscrapers everywhere: London’s skyline is changing

Author: Cyril Richert

There has been various interesting discussions recently in the newspaper about the impact of tall building (very very tall buildings I mean!) on London skyline. (more…)

May 15, 2013 at 3:15 pm Leave a comment

There is no vision for London’s skyline

Author: Cyril Richert

Where is the vision for London’s skyline is wondering Simon Jenkins in his article in the Evening Standard on April 30th?

First, Simon Jenkins is right to remember the broken promise of Boris Johnson at at time when was running for Mayor of London in 2008. In November 2008 it was actually one of our first article on this website: Mr Johnson had warned he will not approve skyscrapers if residents are opposed to them, confirmed he will redraw the planned skyline as a matter of priority and called Ken Livingston’s plans’ “phallocratic towers”.

His U-turn will be his legacy to London. You can vote him out, but a long time after he’s left you will still see the Walkie Talkie, the Helter Skelter, the Razor (the Strata tower, named ugliest building of the year in 2010) or the Cheesegrater in the sky of London! (more…)

May 8, 2013 at 9:04 am Leave a comment

Planning Forum meeting April 2013: some feedback

Authors: Jacqui Bowers & Cyril Richert

On Tuesday, April 16th, was organised the Planning Forum at Wandsworth Borough Town Hall. You will find below some comments and feedback. As usual, they do not intend to replace any minutes. (more…)

April 23, 2013 at 10:26 am Leave a comment

Postponing the Planning Forum is unacceptable!

Author: Cyril Richert

On Friday 16th February we received an email telling us about the postponing of the next Planning Forum meeting… to be moved more than 4 months later. (more…)

February 16, 2013 at 8:59 pm Leave a comment

Protected views

Author: Cyril Richert

The Council is currently ticking boxes on “consultation” asking for opinions that normally request weeks of research and work every few months, not even talking about the interim planning applications that we need to comment on. However as you might have seen here (Peabody) and there (Peabody) paid staff has the final say – meaning that it is mostly ignored!

One of the latest “consultation” (closed November 25th) was regarding the Local Views SPD (Protected views in Wandsworth borough).

(more…)

December 15, 2012 at 9:34 am Leave a comment

Planning Forum meeting November 2012: some feedback

Author: Cyril Richert

On Tuesday, November 6th, was organised the Planning Forum at Wandsworth Borough Town Hall. You will find below some comments and feedback. They do not intend to replace any minutes and are obviously my own views of the meeting (and comments in red).

First of all, lets start with the AOB section that was actually addressed at the end of the meeting. A few weeks ago I emailed the meeting secretary asking to add three points. (more…)

November 7, 2012 at 7:14 pm Leave a comment

Hearing Session: report on discussions on Clapham Junction’s development framework

Author: Cyril Richert

An independent inspector has been conducting hearings in October regarding the Proposed Submission versions of the DMPD (Development Management Policies Document) and SSAD (Site Specific Allocation Document), which provide detailed policies to support the delivery of the Core Strategy [1].

On the afternoon of October 11th, Clapham Junction was subject of the meeting, and the list of topics was set in accordance to the objections raised by CJAG, including our criticism after the response to the consultation HERE. The meeting was organised in Room 123, Wandsworth Town Hall, with half a dozen Council officers, the inspector, the CJAG and the Battersea Society and a couple of people in the audience.

We have listed below the 4 topics with the arguments of CJAG.

Given that prospects for redevelopment of the adjacent land are uncertain, does the inclusion of reference to the re-alignment of Falcon Lane (proposal 4.1.1) introduce an unwarranted element of uncertainty?

Criticism (representation p7): The current vision will involve the move of the current Boots and the loss of Lidl and the car park. Although it could be envisaged in theory, there is no consideration on feasibility and cost (who is funding what): the land to the north will dramatically be reduced in size and value, rendering the scope of future investment there questionable at best.

In addition frontage and main residential windows of any development proposed will be forced to face north and directly looking upwards at a railway embankment.#

Contradiction with the Core Strategy encouraging the development of public realm and the provision of retail floorspace [Core Policies for Places: Policy PL 13 b) – page 77]. Although the public realm is proposed to be a square in front of Asda, it means a complete redevelopment involving Asda, Boots (Asda land ?), Liddl, and other adjoining properties.

OAK Trading (Hotel 155 Falcon Rd) objected and asked for amendment:

• Realignment will create an area of undeveloped land between their site and the hotel (1-p2)-> prejudicial impact on its interest. Comment 417 OAK TRADING:

1. it would reduce the size of the sites to the north and render redevelopment there less viable.
2. it could cause traffic difficulties by necessitating construction of a larger junction at Falcon Road.
3. it would still leave a relatively narrow strip between the realigned road and the rear of the gardens of the houses in Mossbury Road. The gardens of the houses on the north side of Mossbury Road are very short and any new residential development above ground floor level would surely need south facing windows which could harm the amenity of the houses in Mossbury Road.

• The Company has not been involved collaboratively with your Council over the future development strategy for Falcon Lane and environs (1-p3)

• Lidl (the land to the north of Falcon Lane is owned by retailer, Lidl GmbH Limited)has no interest in redeveloping its food store site to allow the realignment of Falcon Lane – and we would question the logic and deliverability of this SSAD policy. (1-p3)

Proposal: Is the south side of Falcon Lane a suitable site for future residential development? The rear gardens of the houses in Mossbury Road are already tiny. Any reasonable view will concede only 2 realistic solutions:

1. to offer extension of existing properties by land purchase (also supported by Oak Trading ID 418 suggest slight realignment and development Mossbury Rd)
2. to redevelop the open area with public space/square.

Tall buildings: The site is sloping down from Lavender Hill to Falcon road. The impact of a 5 storey building at the bottom won’t be the same as for a similar height at the top, where current buildings do not exceed 3-4 storeys.

Submission Statement of Consultation, p85 (3.222 Sites)

CJAG and Oak Trading Ltd consider that reference to the realignment of Falcon Lane has not considered feasibility and that costs and the impact of reducing the size of the ASDA/Boots/Lidl site on the deliverability of development have not been considered.[...] There has been no cost consideration applied to this approach and the intention is to flag up a potential improvement. The Council currently has no plans to realign the road. If a developer were to come forward it would be for them to undertake the necessary assessments of viability in the first instance. It is unclear as to the likelihood of such a scheme coming forward in the next 15 years with the existing economic uncertainties, however it is possible that one of the sites may come forward for development, and identification of the SSAD for a potential wider redevelopment is considered worthwhile.

This wishful dream (unrealistic, no cost, no viability study…) has not place in a document which should be used as guidelines for planning and future development.

Are the proposals for improvements to the Clapham Junction Station Approach (proposal 4.1.3) sufficiently definitive and positive?

• We acknowledge the mention of the site being sensitive to tall buildings.

• We agree on the justification providing that the site offers a real opportunity to provide the type of retail unit suited to the larger chain stores.

However the current presentation (as shown on graphics in previous versions of the SSAD) is actually re-using some of the planning of Delancey’s proposal without addressing the much needed issue of circulation between the two sides of the railway (Grant Road vs St John’s Hill).

It is using developer’s plans without any concerns for residents criticisms and resident suggestions!

The proposal map could be amended to present: Current map (#64) vs Proposed presentation, including open path and a much larger coverage of the railway allowing better retail usage.

Submission Statement of Consultation p86 (3.225) : CJAG acknowledge the mention of the Clapham Junction Station Approach site being sensitive to tall buildings and agree that the site provides a real opportunity to provide the type of retail unit suited to larger chain stores, however CJAG consider that the issue of circulation between the two sides of the railway still needs to be addressed. The Council acknowledge that this is a key issue facing Clapham Junction. [...] CJAG also consider that the ‘Land at Clapham Junction Station site’ should be allocated for mixed use development. As the site is outside the town centre it is more appropriately allocated for high density housing development.

Outside the town centre? Clapham Junction station?

As the officers wrote (Submission Statement of Consultation p85) “the Council considers that the relatively narrow site located between the railway lines is currently inaccessible and there are a number of obstacles to its development“.Any redevelopment of the Station Approach site will affect the station itself and therefore the town centre in general. It is currently a train depot and a business use could be retained.

In addition, latest discussion with the chair of the Transport Committee, Cllr Russel King, told us that a report was published showing London unable to sustain with growing demand for public transport within the next 5 years. There it is requested that all boroughs focus on developing business (instead of all residential accommodation) to relocate the demand.

It is therefore legitimate to consider CJ station as an appropriate site for mix-used/office development.

Should the land at Sendall Court (proposal 4.1.2) be allocated for open space rather than residential or mixed use?

Criticism (representation p8):

Visual representation: The visual representations provided by Berkeley first for their redevelopment of Lanner and Griffon House always presented an open space, used for public space, and balancing the very high density of their proposal.

In order to help visualise the impact, I presented the photos showed by the Developer (taken from its website) against a very quick montage assuming the impact of new constructions as it could happen in the space argued. Aren’t things less “appealing”?

In order to get approval, the developers of the site of Lanner and Griffon House submitted a documentation showing illustration with wide public spaces around their tall buildings. If it was showing that the Car park adjacent to Sendall Court could see another building increasing the already high density of the area, the public view and final decision of the committee might have changed.

During the Ram Brewery Enquiry (report of Colin Ball, the Inspector July, 4th 2010) a lot of consideration was made on the applicant images. It was said that the applicant’s AVRs must be taken as accurately representing what would be seen by the human eye. On the applicant image it is presented with a public square with grass and trees, which is not what the council is suggesting.

On the Submission Statement of Consultation, p12 (3.16 on Tall Buildings) it says “Clapham Junction Action Group request reference in this policy clause that the visual representations must accurately represent what would be seen by the human eye. This is accepted, but is considered more appropriate to be within the context to the policy.”

Public Space:

Submission Statement of Consultation p86 (3.224) : CJAG want the Car park adjacent to Sendall Court, Grant Road to be allocated entirely for public open space, in view of the consented developments at Lanner and Griffon House. This is not accepted as the site is not within an area of open space deficiency and is within 300m of York Gardens. Allocation of the site entirely for open space would therefore not be a priority use of the site.

SSAD p115 acknowledge that the site is located within an area of deficiency in access to nature

In addition, the Report of the Independent Review Neil Kinghan on Clapham Junction disorder (published a few days ago) made a recommendation that the Council should look at the actions it might take to reduce the influence of the gangs, for example in the design of its housing estates, the provision of more public areas such as the square on the Doddington Estate (report 6.16 p38).

Density:

In the previous version, proposed submission, the SSAD document included a section 4.1.2 Lanner and Griffon House, Winstanley Road, SW11. Representations on Lanner and Griffon House were received from Clapham Junction Action Group, Battersea Society and St James Group. We highlighted that the whole area is currently under construction with 3 buildings/high density up to 11 storeys and – except considering that this investment has any chance to be knocked down within the next 15 years, the mention of tall building of more than 5 storeys being inappropriate shows deep contradiction within the Council’s policy.

REMEMBER: according to SSAD, this is an area inappropriate to tall buildings.

While this area is considered as inappropriate for tall building and the whole location is covered by tall buildings, it must be time to show respect on the visual impact of developments.

Proposal: It should be mentioned that any development of the area should reserve a larger part to a public space (at least 50%).

Is the incorporation of part of the Peabody Estate land (proposal 4.1.6) into the town centre justified by the evidence?

1st argument of Peabody’s developers: Public transport

On the CS examination Peabody Trust said: “The Peabody Trust support the broad locations identified on Map 15, which are considered to be appropriate locations for tall buildings. The Peabody Trust support draft Policy IS3 and consider that sites that are located close to public transport nodes and key town centre services and facilities are appropriate where regeneration benefits can be demonstrated through the use of higher density development.”

However that argument was refused by the inspector during the examination of the CS as shown in response to questions CJAG submitted Dec 8th 2010. The Council replied : In last year examination, the government Inspector ’s conclusion was that only sites within town centres, focal points of activity and Nine Elms near Vauxhall may be appropriate for tall building and this did not extend to all ‘areas with good public transport accessibility’.

Then 2nd argument: move the Boundaries

The first version of the SSAD (Preferred Option) 27/11/09 said:

Tall buildings: In accordance with Council’s Stage 2 Urban Design Study – Tall Buildings, applications for buildings of 5 or more storeys will be subject to the criteria of the tall buildings policy contained in the emerging DMPD. In accordance with Core Strategy policy IS3d, tall buildings in this location are likely to be inappropriate.

Peabody Trust criticised the wording and wrote on 05/02/10:

Peabody is concerned that the final sentence under the heading ‘Tall Buildings’ contradicts the analysis referred to above by stating: “In accordance with Core Strategy policy IS3(d), tall buildings in this location are likely to be inappropriate.”

You will note that Peabody based its analysis by stating that “Core Strategy policy IS3(d) clearly states that tall buildings may be appropriate in locations that are well served by public transport”

->The adopted version of the CS does not mention public transport in tall building justifications

The current SSAD submission version says:

Tall buildings: In accordance with Council’s Stage 2 Urban Design Study – Tall Buildings, applications for buildings of 5 or more storeys will be subject to the criteria of the tall buildings policy contained in DMPD Policy DMS4. The part of the site within the town centre is identified as being sensitive to tall buildings, whilst on the southern part of the site adjacent to Wandsworth Common they are likely to be inappropriate, in accordance with Core Strategy Policy IS5d

Everyone can see that after the previous inspector’s words, the Council could not justify the site suitable for tall buildings based on its PTAL (over-writing the inappropriate location). Therefore they changed the rules, deciding to extend the town centre to suit exactly the developers’ plan.

You will appreciate that the previous part that we highlighted in bold, stating that tall building in this location are likely to be inappropriate has been removed and replace with only a mention of the southern part of the site, the remaining becoming only “sensitive”.

We consider the boundary change in the DMPD to be an attempt to justify the inclusion of part of the estate in the “sensitive but not inappropriate to tall building” area for town centres, rather than the promotion of the St John’s Hill frontage.

This is actually acknowledged in by the council in DMPD Proposed submission page 145 saying: This change is proposed in order to promote active town centre uses along the St John’s Hill frontage, and to encourage regeneration of the Peabody Estate.

In addition Policy IS5d is related to the percentage of affordable housing and therefore is not appropriate regarding tall buildings. On the contrary, by linking the target for affordable housing with tall buildings, the Council is clearly sending a message of sympathy for tall buildings in order to comply with the very aggressive targets it decided to set out in CS IS5.

During the meeting, Council officers acknowledged the mistake and said it should read IS3d instead of IS5d.

History of tall building in Clapham Junction area

In 2008-2009, Delancey (which worked on it with the Council for 5 years) put forward a proposal for two 42-storey towers at Clapham Junction. The Council received petitions and individual letters (in total more than 1000) telling with numerous arguments that residents do not want tall building in the area.

Although the Core Strategy (which was adopted later) say in PL13 “Taller buildings could not only help deliver significant regeneration benefits but also give a visual focus to the town centre”, it was balanced by Stage 2 Urban Design Study: Tall Buildings-2.34 saying: “the centre has a rich historic heritage and as such is considered sensitive to tall building”.

DMPD – DMS4 says: b. Applications for tall buildings will be required to address the following criteria in order to demonstrate compliance with Core Strategy Policies IS3d and IS3e:

v. assess the impact on the existing historic environment through a conservation impact assessment identifying how the surrounding area’s character or appearance or the setting of a listed building will be preserved or enhanced.

To conclude, we can recall the Council officer’s report for Capstick in Putney saying the proposal is deficient in a number of policy areas (DMPD, SSAD…etc) but the benefits of regeneration is balancing the case. A change of boundaries was also made in this particularly case in order to suit the developer’s needs.

>>The council is setting up policies that will apply strongly to small development but is prepared to ignore them (and ignore the local residents) for big development (even arguing on “exceptional circumstances” while the word “exception” has been refused by the previous inspector).

>>The Council is setting plans in order to suit developers and in opposition to resident views, working hand to hand with developers and modifying rules and policy to remove valid objections of residents.

***

A report on the hearing session will be drafted for the next Transport Committee on November 14th.

Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC) should receive the report from the inspector early January 2012.

[1] The Clapham Junction Action Group has submitted a contribution that you can read HERE along with additional questions and comments THERE.

October 27, 2011 at 11:54 am Leave a comment

Planning Forum meeting October 2011: some feedback

Author: Cyril Richert

On Tuesday, October 18th, was organised the Planning Forum at Wandsworth Borough Town Hall. You will find below some comments and feedback. They do not intend to replace any minutes and are obviously my own views of the meeting (and comments in red).

Local development framework update

Development Management Policies Document & Site Specific Allocations Document

An independent inspector was conducting hearings regarding the Council’s planning documents at the beginning of October (the Clapham Junction Action Group was invited to attend on October 11th and we will report about this meeting here soon).

The main topics were: tall buildings, housing policy, town centre, Wandsworth delta, Nine Elms, with thorough discussions on Putney and Clapham Junction. Martin Howell (Group Planner – Policy & Information), thanked everyone for participating.

A report on the hearing session will be drafted for the next Transport Committee on November 14th.

Wandsworth Borough Council (WBC) should receive the report from the inspector early January 2012.

Although not clearly stated, the date is very important. The government is currently working on new regulations (localisms bill) allowing local authorities to ignore the inspector recommendation as long as the document is said to be sound. It seems that the Council is betting that the vote in parliament will come in December, thus making any recommendation from the report in January not binding and WBC could choose easily to ignore them.

As we received grateful messages from the Council officers on the opportunity to exchange with local groups and residents during those examinations, I inquired about the possibility to set regular meetings with Council officers but Martin Howell replied that he preferred to have invitation for public events organised by the amenity societies. Meeting will also happened next year on the review of the Core Strategy (already!).

Planning Obligations SPD

Section 106 can no longer be used to collect monies and it has been replaced by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). Nine Elms’s CIL are higher than for the rest of the borough.

Development management update

Pre-application charges

From now on boroughs can set their own fees. However there is no date yet for implementation, maybe April 2012.

In case WBS decides to to set pre-application fees, officers said it will need to be transparent and documents and reports of pre-app. meeting should be available.

Major developments

• Springfield hospital: after WBC refused the application, the developers filled appeal. Hearings will be organised in November 2012.
• Peabody: still confusing documents, and a meeting with officers should clarify the plans.
• Clapham Junction Station: WBC is seeking to start new talks with Delancey on the site, especially in view of CP5 funding period (2014-19) for Network Rail where more money could be available.

Localism Bill

There is a 20 page document available to summarise the bill on the DCLG website.

There is currently the third hearing with the Lords’ Chamber and it is expected to be voted by the parliament in December 2011.

Issues are:

• Predetermination: It should allow Councillors to make more comments prior to the vote before the planning committee.
• Pre-application consultation: All major development will have to go through pre-application and a report will be published showing how it affected the application.
• Neighbourhood planning: Council will be able to approve neighbourhood forums and will decide the level of implication in the process. However this is currently confusing and it is difficult to see how it will improve the community involvement. WBC officers said that they have already a great number of planning rules and documents.

Next meeting should be organised in January 2012.

October 26, 2011 at 5:18 pm Leave a comment