A 14-storey tower block planned for South London has been met with opposition from residents who fear it will impose on the already limited green space they have. Residents in Stockwell have voiced their concerns over the development that will see a redevelopment of three sites surrounding Larkhall Park in South West London.
A former pub, a car park and a community centre are all earmarked to be demolished and in their place, two new buildings ranging from six to fourteen storeys high comprising of flats will be built. A terrace of eight houses fronting Courland Grove will be built at the site of the car park.
However, residents have said buildings this high will impact the area with some saying it will deprive them of "sunlight", others saying the buildings are "visually unappealing" and others saying it buildings over eight storeys will 'ruin the character of the area'.
One person who objected wrote: "Unacceptable loss of daylight/sunlight and loss of privacy. Major overshadowing of the neighbouring buildings as well as the park and sports facilities. The fact that there already exist some tall buildings in the area shouldn't be an argument to build more tall buildings in the area to make the area more uniform."
Another person wrote: "I live on Courland Grove. I would like to see the facade of the tower reworked. It is very bland and heavy, and uninspiring, I think with all the modern designs going up around locally, and even some nicely done ones (if not groundbreaking) by Slade Gardens we could have something more visually uplifting.
"We already suffer the brutalist carbuncle that is the eyesore towerblock at 60 Courland Grove and we do not need another one added to it."
Lambeth Planning Applications Committee wrote in their report that: "The proposal is for the redevelopment of three sites on Courland Grove with housing providing a total of 127 homes. The buildings on the three Sites collectively form an attractive group which integrates them well with their existing immediate neighbours and wider context."
The development doesn't come with parking permits for occupants and the removal of 15 trees to be replaced by the planting of 16 trees.
One of the objections read: "Larkhall Park is my local open space which I walk through almost every day as do many of my neighbours. Although small, it is pleasantly laid out with well-placed mounds and matured trees providing attractive long views. This new development on Sites 1 and 3 should enrich this environment and provide uplifting views towards what is a drab corner at present.
Another objection read: "An unwanted oversized development for the area. The question of the impact on Larkhall Park and on local services has not been addressed. Larkhall Park is a vital green space in the area and is adjoined by no less than six estates.
"A further six estates adjoin those estates. These are all low-income households without gardens or any public space. This development will add another significant development to the existing strains on the park and on local services, including schools, transport, health and other public facilities.
"Many people in the community are longstanding residents with a deep heritage in the area. The new tower has no heritage significance and will be an eyesore. It will not benefit local residents in dire need of housing help and support. Residents of the tower will be, mostly, from outside of the area and more likely will have higher income levels."
Some people did support the development but overall the majority were objections. One person wrote: "It is vital that more affordable housing is provided for the tens of thousands of families on the housing waiting list, and this development will make a contribution towards that.
"The Council-owned land around Larkhall Park clearly has development potential and the proposed set of buildings is spread around the edges of the park, making best use of the land without imposing a single dominant structure."
The plans are still currently awaiting approval.
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