Ram Brewery towers "called in"

Following the news earlier this week that Labour Communities Secretary Hazel Blears had "called in" - the technical term for reviewing the decision on the Ealing Broadway tower plan; she has done the same for the Ram Brewery towers.

You can read more here.

In another sign of how way out of step with Putney the Conservatives have got on this, Tory Council Leader Edward Lister is quoted as attacking the Government's decision saying: "It?s unbelievable that in the depths of a recession we have a minister that would put at risk £1bn of investment in the town centre."

Well, actually Councillor, it's unbelievable that you have railroaded this absurd overdevelopment plan that will clog the remainder of road capacity in central Wandsworth. It's unbelievable that you have forced through plans that will overwhelm local services and transport provision. And it's unbelievable that you think it's a good idea to blight our borough with skyscrapers that will make the Arndale estate towers look miniscule and be visible for miles and miles around.

It's important not to get too carried away here: the independent Government inspector could rule after his review that the plans should proceed. But it is clearly significant that Labour Ministers have stepped in where Tory Mayor Boris Johnson has failed to and looks to be of the view that "out of town" skyscrapers are inappropriate.

I'm delighted at Hazel Blears' decision. It shows beyond doubt that the choice at the next election will be between Tory towers and Labour defending our area from overdevelopment.