Cllr Torrington will speak for residents at Planning Application Committee

The campaign over the controversial Putney Blades development is intensifying, with householders in Burstock Road deciding to form a residents’ association to put their objections to Wandsworth Council planners.

This was decided on Tuesday night (July 24) at a meeting attended by local Thamesfield councillors Rosemary Torrington and Mike Ryder, who assured residents of support from them and their colleague Councillor Jim Maddan. Councillor Torrington has agreed to speak for residents when the scheme goes before the council’s Planning Applications Committee for approval or rejection.

At Tuesday’s meeting residents expressed their opposition to the 15-storey main tower in the development, saying it would be far too overbearing in such a sensitive spot overlooked by the Oxford Road conservation area and in close proximity to the listed Putney St Mary’s church tower. They also spoke of their concerns about the proposed public square being encroached upon by vehicle access, about loss of natural light, about pressure on parking and water supplies, and about future disruption from the building operation itself, which they think could take up to three years. They are also planning to approach other local residents’ associations for support.

The Wandsworth Design Review Panel, which advises the council on major projects, is also just about to release its findings on the Blade development, and is understood to have concerns about several aspects of it.

Architects plans show the 15 storey as seen from Putney Bridge Rd (top of a double decker shown on high street)



July 27, 2012