A planning application to build a tower block in a Wandsworth medical centre car park has caused outrage among residents.

A petition calling on Wandsworth Council to reject the proposals has also gained more 100 signatures while the application itself has attracted more than 50 objections to date.

Developer Baylight Properties is proposing a 20-storey mixed use tower, just off the river Wandle, with 27 residential units, a café and river walk at 86 to 92 Garratt Lane.

The height of the proposed block is a concern for many. 

Wandsworth Times:

The proposal 

Wandsworth Times:

Street view of the car park of the medical centre 

One resident commented that there is already a large concentration of tower blocks in the area.

She said: “Once again another tower block is being proposed in a small area of downtown Wandsworth.

“This is right next to a 27 storey tower block, 100 metres away from the tower block development next to the library and 250 metres away dorm the large Ram Development.”

She added the natural light would be further decreased and was concerned air pollution would increase.

She said: “Wandsworth will no longer be 'the brighter borough' if unsympathetic and irrational plans like this are considered feasible.”

Another was concerned about parking. He said: “I am already frustrated at the situation as it currently stands with parking, especially as I pay a not inconsiderable sum for a permit and can only see more frustration if such a structure were built, with the incumbent tenants to that structure and the need for space for additional vehicles.

“I therefore raise an objection to this application, at least to this level and think something, if anything, at a more acceptable height, would be less of an eyesore.”

One said it would be a “blight” on the landscape.

Wandsworth Medical Centre, which has provided services to residents since 2003, wrote to formally object to the proposal.

The letter states the development would have “severe adverse effects” on their staff and patient population.

It says: “The proposal for a 27-storey unit (it is 20) will be detrimental to the surrounding to the character and environment of Wandsworth by reason of increased noise, disturbance, overlooking, loss of privacy and overshadowing.

“In addition, we are very concerned about the risk to our premises in terms of safety as the number of residents in a very small piece of land will increase with the projected growth from occupancy.”

Wandsworth Times:

Wandsworth Medical Centre

Following the publication of this article, Wandsworth Medical Centre removed their objection.

A spokesperson for Baylight said they assured the centre, the property of which is owned and rented out by the same developers, the medical practice would not be turned into residential units and offered them an extension on their lease.

Wandsworth Medical Centre have been contacted for confirmation on this.

A Baylight spokesperson said: “A key feature of the scheme is that a new planted and landscaped south facing stretch of the river Wandle will be opened up for use by the public.

“This will provide a great addition to the immediate area.

“An independent design review panel has met to assess the scheme and has provided a very supportive and positive appraisal of the design.”

There are two supporting comments on the planning application.

One said: “It’s using a good architect and the opening up of the river walk and provision of a cafe can only be a positive thing for the area.

“This will no doubt lead to further regeneration and support for other businesses in the area.”

Another pledged their “wholehearted” support for the proposal, stating it will be “great for the diversity of the community” and will help young workers get on the property ladder.

Conservative Parliamentary candidate for Putney Justine Greening said she would be writing to the council to register her objections.

She said: “I am concerned about the overly industrial design, which seems at odds with what is meant to be a residential block sensitive to its surroundings.”

The GLA stated on the application that the Mayor considers it does “not fully comply” with the London Plan but that “possible remedies” could address the issues.

The developer is offering 33.3 per cent affordable housing, whereas the GLA want them to ensure 40 per cent.

The GLA also wanted clarification on energy and transport details, specifically with regard to the suspension of the bus stop and taxi rank.