Another part of the borough, another overdevelopment nightmare
Tower blocks are in the local news again; this time plans to build twin 39-storey tower blocks above Clapham Junction station. The towers will contain 556 homes, NONE of which will be affordable on the extraordinary basis that the developers would rather spend the money improving the station beneath it. Another false choice - affordable housing, a more human scale development AND an upgraded Clapham Junction - if you don't mind, developers.
I highlight this issue, which is actually in the neighbouring Battersea constituency, simply because the Battersea Society is making exactly the same, entirely justified criticism of the Conservative council as our Putney Society is.
The Batersea Society say that the Council lacks a "coherent vision" for Clapham Junction. "Without an overall plan we fear the proposed new shops may damage, rather than benefit, the existing shopping centres in St Johns Road and Northcote Road" they say.
And in the letter notifying residents of tomorrow's Putney Society meeting with Putney Place developer Oracle, Chairman John Ewing says "The Council appears to have no overall town plan for Putney". I agree.
Be under no illusion: it's this void; this lack of leadership from Wandsworth's Conservative council that is holding the door wide open to any stack-em-up, pile-em-high developer to come up with these ludicrous tower block notions.
We urgently need leadership on this vital issue - and if the Conservatives cannot or will not provide it, then it's down to you to vote in those of us who are leading.
I highlight this issue, which is actually in the neighbouring Battersea constituency, simply because the Battersea Society is making exactly the same, entirely justified criticism of the Conservative council as our Putney Society is.
The Batersea Society say that the Council lacks a "coherent vision" for Clapham Junction. "Without an overall plan we fear the proposed new shops may damage, rather than benefit, the existing shopping centres in St Johns Road and Northcote Road" they say.
And in the letter notifying residents of tomorrow's Putney Society meeting with Putney Place developer Oracle, Chairman John Ewing says "The Council appears to have no overall town plan for Putney". I agree.
Be under no illusion: it's this void; this lack of leadership from Wandsworth's Conservative council that is holding the door wide open to any stack-em-up, pile-em-high developer to come up with these ludicrous tower block notions.
We urgently need leadership on this vital issue - and if the Conservatives cannot or will not provide it, then it's down to you to vote in those of us who are leading.
Labels: Clapham Junction, overdevelopment, Putney Society
posted by Stuart King at
17:54
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