Author: Cyril Richert
Several building, including a 25 storey tower, are proposed at the current site of Homebase, Swanden Way, near Wandsworth bridge roundabout.
Application 2015/3304 describes the proposal as a scoping exercise (i.e. not a formal planning permission application at the moment):
“Demolition of the existing buildings and redevelopment of the site to provide a mixed use scheme including 450 residential units , retail units, offices and associated community facilities, cycle and car parking (within buildings ranging from 10 to 25 storeys) and public realm improvements.”
As usual now in Wandsworth, you won’t be surprise to hear that the Site Specific Allocation Document (part of Wandsworth Borough Local Plan, reflecting the borough statutory policies and guidelines for planning development) has got a section dedicated to the site (p132) saying:
Tall buildings: In accordance with Core Strategy Policy IS3d, tall buildings in this location are likely to be inappropriate. In accordance with DMPD Policy DMS4, the height at which a development in this location will be considered to be tall is 9 storeys.
Ah ah ah! As for recent applications in Lombard Road or York Road, developers are now ignoring completely that policy and submit 14, 17, 21,25, 28 or 30 storeys without batting an eye.
The Proposal as received more than 40 objections so far and no support. Beside the massing and the size of the development, the most frequent critic is on the pressure created on Wandsworth Town Railway Station that has already major difficulties to respond to the pressure of commuters at peak hours.
As the planning officers are currently recommending for approval any major scheme in the area, our only hope of recovering some sense of reality will probably rely on the Councillors members of the Planning Application Committee if such scheme comes before them.
Filed under: Wandsworth Town 
Wandsworth is creating a too much high rise and not building new parks and recreation areas for the new populations so problems will occur.
The building in Wandsworth is already too dense. There are not enough facilities : we need schools and hospitals and parks. We do not need more flats. More flats will have a negative impact on traffic resources car queues and crowds. This will be more drain on resources and utilities an not serve the existing residents in low quality social housing.
Homebase site would make a good low rise 2 storey care home for the elderly
with a big garden/park area or another shop or business. It could provide some low rise social housing with a garden area and keep all the beautiful trees.
The more buiding the more the built environment is getting hotter and hotter and Wandsworth is a black spot for car pollution from fumes in the summer especially.
More people bring more cars and and more fumes.
More schools are desperately needed. More hospitals and public services to serve the people who live here already are needed. We do not need any more people at all in Wansworth. It is not common sense to overbuild its just greed to make money.
Build and develop out of London sites.
Renovate the social housing to a decent standard to keep the residents safe. Don’t build more flats for the rich on the Homebase site in Wandsworth we don’t need more people.
We need to reduce pressure on schools jobs and hospitals. Develop sites out of London.
This site allows fresh air to flow : this is a perfect site for a Youth club, a sports park on this site for the youth.
Support the Wandsworth youth so we don’t get more rapes crime and murders This is a perfect site for a boxing club or a Sports Centre or youth provision.