Wandsworth Council is set to approve a major redevelopment of a former Gasworks site on Swandon Way, paving the way for 620 new homes, a cinema and live music venue, and a new riverside park.
The decision comes after a lengthy debate, with supporters highlighting the benefits of housing and public amenities while critics warn of environmental risks, pressure on infrastructure, and concerns over the development’s scale.
The mixed-use scheme (planning no. 2022/3954), close to near Wandsworth Town train station, will replace the industrial site with a combination of residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. The inclusion of a cinema and live music venue by developers Mitheridge and SGN Joint Venture has been welcomed as a way to bring more entertainment options to the area, alongside new pedestrian and cycling routes linking the site to Wandsworth Town.
A new riverside park along the River Wandle is also part of the plan, intended to create a green space for residents and visitors. Developers say this will improve public access to the river while integrating nature into the growing urban landscape.
The project includes an increase in affordable housing, now set at 40 percent of all homes, an increase from the originally proposed 35 percent. This includes a mix of social rent and intermediate housing, with planners aiming to help address London’s housing shortage.
Size and impact off the charts
Significant concerns remain however. Residents and local groups have opposed the height of the tallest building, which at 29 stories remains significantly above the limits recommended in the Wandle Delta Masterplan. Some argue that the scale of the development will overshadow nearby green spaces and alter the character of the area.
Public opposition to the scheme has been substantial, with 193 formal objections submitted to the council, compared to just two comments in support. Many of these objections cite concerns over the impact on local infrastructure, environmental risks, and the project’s scale.
The Wandle Valley Forum, which represents over 140 local community groups, has argued [pdf] that while some improvements have been made, they are insufficient to mitigate the development’s negative impact on the river and surrounding environment. The group has been particularly critical of the proposed height, calling the idea of multiple 29-story towers so close to the Wandle “unconscionable” and a clear departure from the Wandle Delta Masterplan.
The letter went further, suggesting that the proposal was being advanced simply because “Wandsworth usually says yes” and calling on the council to prove them wrong.
They also raised concerns about the limited amount of sunlight that would reach the riverside park, with the developer’s own assessment showing that some areas would receive as little as two hours of sunlight in March. Additionally, the group warned that the development could create wind speeds exceeding comfortable levels, impacting both pedestrians and local wildlife.
Beyond the environmental challenges, many residents are worried about the pressure on public transport and local services. Wandsworth Town Station is already experiencing overcrowding, and no major upgrades have been confirmed as part of the redevelopment. Local schools and GP surgeries are also under strain, raising questions about whether the borough has the capacity to support a growing population.
The spectre of Grenfell
The Putney Society, another key opponent of the project, raised serious concerns [pdf] about the lack of access and permeability within the site, arguing that the largest residential building, which would be taller than Grenfell Tower, has no direct vehicle access. The group questioned how emergency vehicles, deliveries, and visitors would navigate the development, warning that the layout appears impractical and unsafe.
In a strongly worded statement, the Putney Society described the project as offering “no public benefit”, arguing that it was using the housing crisis as an excuse to build at three times the height permitted in the local plan. The letter went further, suggesting that the proposal was being advanced simply because “Wandsworth usually says yes” and calling on the council to prove them wrong.
To address some of these concerns, developers made small adjustments to the original plans. The tallest building was reduced by one story, and changes were made to servicing and refuse collection layouts to improve traffic flow and waste management. While the increase in affordable housing was the most significant amendment, campaigners argue that more fundamental changes were needed to address concerns over infrastructure and sustainability.
The council’s likely approval comes with conditions, including requirements for public realm improvements, flood protection measures, and contributions to transport infrastructure. A 24-month review period has also been included, meaning that if the project fails to meet expectations, further scrutiny could follow.
As the development moves forward, the debate over its potential impact on Wandsworth remains unresolved. While the project will bring much-needed housing and new public spaces, questions remain over whether the area’s infrastructure can keep pace with the rapid expansion. The coming years will determine whether this redevelopment enhances Wandsworth’s future or adds to its growing challenges.
