Battersea Society throws down challenge to local architects

Press release 20 May 2009 

The Battersea Society, a leading critic of Metro Shopping Fund’s plans for Clapham Junction is “delighted” by the eleventh hour withdrawal of the controversial application.

David Lewis, chair of the Society’s planning committee feels that sustained public pressure over the last few months was responsible for seeing off the scheme

But he sounds a note of caution: “The danger remains that MSF will return with a revised proposal that is almost as bad.”

However there were hopeful signs that the tide now seemed to be turning against very tall buildings.

“Only last week, Mayor Boris Johnson blocked Newham Council’s go-ahead for a local market development because of the height of proposed buildings.”

Battersea Society chair Tony Tuck warns that the challenge now is to make certain that Clapham Junction has a railway station and transport interchange fit for the Twenty First Century.

“The Society will continue to campaign for these transport improvements, which must offer some affordable housing, retail and office facilities in an acceptable and sustainable way.”

He is optimistic that expert help will be found close to home “This is a tough challenge for any architect – but we must not forget that some of the finest are actually based in Battersea.”

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