The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee met on 12 November 2024, discussing four major planning applications and reviewing recent decisions. The committee unanimously objected to all four applications considered: the Northcote Public House, the Former Gasworks site on Swandon Way, 2 Armoury Way, and The Glassmill development.

The Northcote Public House, 2 Northcote Road, SW11 1NT

The committee unanimously objected to the proposed alterations to The Northcote Public House, which included the erection of a mansard roof extension, a roof terrace with retractable roof structures, a second-floor extension, and new mechanical plant. The proposed use of the roof level as a seated dining and drinks area for up to 120 people was clarified. Concerns were raised about potential noise from mechanical plant, with officers confirming that a noise assessment would likely be required as part of the planning application process. Members noted the building's history, dating back to 1870-71, and found the proposed copper-coloured roof to be jarring and inconsistent with the area's character. While not objecting to the principle of an additional storey, the committee expressed unanimous concern regarding the materiality, colour of the cladding, and the impact of internal alterations on the building's elevations and fenestration. Specific concerns were also raised about the alignment of the five proposed windows on the eastern elevation.

Former Gasworks, Swandon Way, London, SW18

The committee unanimously objected to the amended hybrid planning application for the Former Gasworks site. The application proposed demolition of existing buildings and phased development across four plots, including up to 620 dwellings, affordable housing, and non-residential floorspace. The committee sought clarity on vehicular access for deliveries, refuse collection, and emergency services to the tallest proposed building, with officers explaining a one-way system and refuse collection points. The complex land ownership of the site and surrounding areas was discussed, including the unacquired Delta site to the north and the Mr Clutch site to the south. Despite acknowledging the need for additional housing, particularly social housing, the committee's unanimous view was that building A1 was significantly too tall and its prominent position would adversely impact the adjacent conservation area due to its bulk and overbearing design. Concerns were also raised about the negative impact of the visual changes to the rotunda area on the surrounding area.

2 Armoury Way, SW18 1SH

The committee unanimously objected to the redevelopment of 2 Armoury Way, which proposed two buildings up to 10 storeys high, comprising student accommodation and light industrial floorspace. The committee queried the proposed tree planting on contaminated land, with officers confirming the need for decontamination and significant planting. Concerns were raised about the site's complex land ownership and awkward plot shapes, leading the committee to urge the council to play a more active role in land assembly as outlined in the Local Plan. The committee expressed unanimous concern regarding the size and bulk of the proposed blocks, their prominent viewpoints, and the proposal's inconsistency with the Wandle Delta Masterplan. The development was deemed unacceptable due to its size, height, and bulk, which would adversely impact the causeway and adjacent heritage assets in the Wandsworth Town Conservation Area, as well as causing visual harm when viewed from the Old York Road Conservation Area.

The Glassmill, 1 Battersea Bridge Road, SW11 3BZ

The committee unanimously objected to the comprehensive redevelopment of The Glassmill site, which proposed a part 10-storey, part 28-storey building. The committee reiterated their objection to the previously submitted scheme, stating that the updated version remained unacceptable due to its height and dominance over surrounding heritage assets. They considered the amendments to be negligible in reducing the impact on the area and nearby heritage assets. While acknowledging the positive amendments regarding affordable housing provision, the committee felt these did not outweigh the harm the scheme would cause. The committee believed the site was too small and in too prominent a location for such a significant development, arguing that the developer's claim to optimise the opportunity with an unprecedentedly tall building defied logic and planning principles. Concerns were raised that high-rise developments like this were ruining the vista of the River Thames and turning it into a road between skyscrapers. The committee expressed sympathy for the need for affordable and social housing but stressed the importance of appropriate development in the right places, deeming this scheme highly inappropriate. The proposed development was considered to cause substantial harm to multiple heritage assets and conservation areas.

Decisions

The committee received a report on recent decisions made on planning applications previously considered by them. They noted that the decisions for Nepean House, Mount Clare Campus, and Emmanuel School were all in line with the committee's recommendations.

Any Other Business

The committee discussed the future of the Mount Clare site, noting the presence of empty housing and two listed buildings, with both the University of Roehampton and the freehold owners unsure of the best approach. The Principal Conservation and Urban Design Officer provided an update on the local listing consultation, which was now live and running until February 2025, aiming to create a more interactive visual representation of locally listed buildings. Additionally, a plan to assess and potentially overhaul traffic signage and street names across the borough was announced, with a request for amenity societies to help identify street signs of heritage or conservation significance.