Rock star Sir Mick Jagger has emerged victorious in a two-year planning battle to block a controversial 29-storey tower in Battersea, proving that you can get what you want. The Rolling Stones frontman was joined by a host of celebrities, including guitarist Eric Clapton, actress Felicity Kendall, and comedian Harry Hill, in opposing the development.
Planning Application Rejected
A planning application for the 100-metre-tall tower was thrown out by Wandsworth Council in April, and its decision has now been upheld by a planning tribunal. Rockwell Property, the developer behind the building, had initially proposed a 34-storey tower with 142 flats but later scaled back its plans to include 110 flats, 54 of which were designated as affordable homes. The proposals faced more than 2,000 objections and over 6,000 signatures on petitions calling for the plans to be blocked.
Objections from Heritage Groups
The Chelsea Society, Battersea Society, and Historic England each opposed the development, which was criticised for its allegedly inappropriate height and style compared to the surrounding area. Wandsworth's planning committee described the site as "an unacceptable and incongruous transformative change."
A planning inspector dismissed Rockwell's appeal this week, ruling that the "overbearing" tower would have "adverse effects on the character and appearance of the local area." Inspector Joanna Gilbert stated: "The proposal would cause a dramatic change to the skyline in views along this part of the Thames embankment. Overall, this change would be detrimental." She added: "The proposal is not exemplary, extraordinary, remarkable or distinctive, just tall."
The inspector further criticised the building's appearance: "It would not adorn the London skyline and would not form part of a ribbon cluster of tall buildings, but would appear alien and isolated in its very height in this location, harming spatial character."
Jagger's Reaction
Jagger, who moved to Chelsea with his bandmates in the early 1960s, said the tower made "no sense." He warned: "If this goes ahead, it could lead to more tall buildings being built … changing this wonderful stretch of the Thames riverside forever." Clapton attacked the developers for being "in it for the money," claiming they "don't give a damn what anyone thinks."
Following the failed appeal, Rockwell stated: "We are obviously disappointed with the decision as we firmly believe in this regeneration project. We wanted to see it delivered and made a number of changes to the scheme following feedback from the public. We did not compromise on quality, using the world-renowned architects, Farrells, so it is disappointing the inspector did not share our view that this would be a great addition to London's skyline."
