Buildings at risk

One of the reports going before councillors tonight is about buildings at risk throughout the borough. This follows English Heritage adding East Putney to its list of conservation areas under threat a few weeks ago.

I thought I'd reproduce those sections relevant to Putney, Roehampton and Southfields (although they're all about Roehampton) below - the full report can be read here.

Montague Arms, 3 Medfield Street, SW15 (Roehampton):

This building was added to the register last year because it became vacant and was in poor condition. In October 2008, a Planning Officer noticed building works had started. A site inspection determined that the works would require consent, and an Enforcement Officer advised that work should stop immediately.

A follow-up inspection on 27th October, revealed that the works had not been stopped so an injunction was served by Enforcement the following day. Following discussions with the owners, architects were appointed to produce an acceptable scheme and obtain consents.

Planning and listed building consent applications were approved in June this year for a change of use from public house to retail (A1), financial or professional services (A2) or office use (B1) on the ground floor with residential flats on the upper floors.

Works to implement these consents have stopped as the owners are facing financial difficulties. Discussions with the owners are under way.


Lodge to Grove House, Roehampton Lane, SW15 (Roehampton):

Works to overhaul the roof were carried out in 2005. The building is now vacant. The owners are carrying out a review of security on the site and are considering using the lodge as a 24-hour security office. A comprehensive refurbishment scheme is now proposed, bringing forward funding under a Government initiative to support the building industry.


King?s Head Public House, Roehampton High Street, SW15 (Roehampton):

This building became vacant in 2006. Applications for planning and listed building consent for the conversion of the building to residential use together with additional residential development within the grounds of the building were refused in February 2007 and further applications involving alterations and extensions to form seven flats plus the erection of two pairs of semi-detached houses were refused in June 2008.

The Council has requested the owners to ensure the building is being properly secured against unauthorised access. Fresh proposals based on a possible hotel use for the building are expected to be submitted before the end of the year.

Temple to Mount Clare, Minstead Gardens, SW15 (Roehampton):

This building was added to the register in 2007 following a break in, resulting in damage to the windows and architectural ornamentation. The owners, who are examining proposals for the building?s future, have made the site secure.