An Inspector has dismissed an appeal against the refusal by the London Borough of Wandsworth of planning permission for a part 10 and part 28 storey building on a brownfield site adjacent to Battersea Bridge. The planning application for the proposal, which comprised the redevelopment of the site of the existing Glassmill office building, was refused due to impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding townscape and became the subject of a public inquiry held in March 2026. The Inspector found very substantial harm to the character and appearance of a wide area, including areas to the  north of river Thames in Chelsea, as well as in Wandsworth. The Inspector found harm to a range of heritage assets but, like the Council, considered that heritage harm alone was outweighed by public benefits. Although the delivery of housing, including 50% at affordable (social rented) tenure, was given substantial weight, the Inspector found that the townscape harm outweighed the benefits.

The decision letter, including the Inspector’s approach to townscape harm and the approach to the benefits of housing delivery within the planning balance, is likely to be of interest to those involved in redevelopment proposals, particularly for tall buildings in London.

Douglas Edwards KC represented LB Wandsworth at the inquiry, instructed by Duncan Moors of Ashfords LLP.

A copy of the decision letter can be found below.