Author: Cyril Richert
A scheme was recently criticised for the extra pressure it would create on local amenities:
“Concerns have already been raised that the proposed […] 602 flats could create significant extra pressure on the local transport network, with increased traffic congestion and more passengers accessing local rail services, especially at the already busy and crowded […] Station.
There are fears too that new residential accommodation on this scale could make it much more difficult for existing residents to access local GP and hospital services, while some critics say the proposals do not provide enough parking spaces for such a large scale development.
And there are concerns that the plans to also include a large retail space on the site could have an adverse impact on nearby shops and businesses.“
You probably think that once again, this is the argument of some local community in the Borough, opposing a planning proposal, or an objection from one of the Societies. All wrong: this is actually the objection of Wandsworth Council.
Don’t worry, they don’t criticise one of the scheme developed within the borough of Wandsworth. They object to a proposal in the borough of Merton to transform Wimbledon Greyhound Stadium into a 20,000 seat football stadium built alongside more than 600 new homes.
Wandsworth’s community services spokesman Cllr Jonathan Cook said:
“Building a large football stadium and many hundreds of new homes here would certainly have an impact on the area and would inevitably lead to increased pressure on local transport infrastructure and other public services.”
Planning proposal ignoring impact on the local area are the norm nowadays in Wandsworth. Thus we have calculated that, with all the current approved or proposed development in the area of York Road/Clapham Junction, the local population might increase by more than 5000 people within the next 10 years, without any serious plan in term of local impact. Last Spring, the Battersea Society wrote:
“a halt to any further planning permissions until there has been serious consideration, with TfL, of the implications of the increased demand on road and public transport in the area. Any study should include achievable plans for meeting the demand for those schemes already consented and realistic proposals for meeting additional demand.”
The letter was an objection to the 21 storey tower proposed for Homebase/198 York Road, which has been approved by the Council last July.
Hypocrite? In any case you will appreciate the irony… Maybe it could be used as template for future objections?
Filed under: Planning strategy 
