A controversial attempt to dilute the independence of Wandsworth’s Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee (CHAC) has been seen off — for now — following a successful public campaign and a tense debate within the committee itself.
As Putney.news previously reported, the original proposal, revealed in March, would have embedded the Council’s own planning priorities — including housing and growth targets — into CHAC’s remit. Critics warned this would undermine the Committee’s specialist role in protecting Wandsworth’s historic buildings, green spaces, and public realm.
Over 60 residents signed a petition launched by Wandsworth Liberal Democrats, calling on the Committee to reject the changes. That petition was sent directly to the Chair, prompting a debate in March which led to the deferral of the proposals for redrafting.
At last night’s meeting (6 May), the revised terms of reference were finally approved. But documents reviewed by Putney.news show that even the updated wording included troubling phrasing — such as references to considering developments “in the opinion of the Council.” This wording was ultimately struck out before approval, a small but significant sign that public and internal pressure is holding the line against a creeping centralisation of decision-making .
Frances Radcliffe of the Friends of Battersea Park summed up the mood when she asked: “To be absolutely honest, I’m not sure this adds anything very much.” And indeed, after several key changes were forced out — including the most overt attempts to align the committee’s remit with council policy — there was little left in the revised terms worth debating, let alone passing. This raises questions about the original motivation behind the changes. Far from being a genuine effort to clarify CHAC’s role, the proposal now appears to have been aimed at clearing bureaucratic hurdles to the council’s wider expansion agenda.
That broader agenda is increasingly visible. In recent months, Wandsworth Council has approved four large-scale developments — including a 29-storey tower on Swandon Way — despite unanimous opposition. The Council also approved deeply unpopular plans for new housing on the Whitnell Way estate, again in the face of strong and united resistance from local residents. In West Putney, housing plans that sparked fierce backlash during the by-election campaign last year were likewise pushed through by Labour councillors.
It is also pressing ahead with changes to the borough’s events policy, which would allow more large-scale commercial festivals in public parks — prompting concern about noise, overcrowding, and environmental damage. In each case, the common denominator is financial: the drive for revenue is increasingly overriding the voices of residents and long-term community priorities.
The CHAC outcome is a narrow but meaningful victory. It preserves a layer of independent oversight at a time when Wandsworth’s historic places and green spaces are under growing pressure from a council leadership with an eye on short-term development gains. But the battle lines are now clearer than ever — and those concerned with heritage and community must remain watchful.
