Marks and Spencer’s return to Putney comes with a side order of security. The freeholder behind the High Street renovation wants to install gates across the passage next to the new store, blocking public access and citing concerns about rough sleepers.
Marlborough Property (Putney) Limited, which owns 55-71 Putney High Street excluding number 67, submitted the application in November. The company is also behind the M&S renovation currently nearing completion at 55-61, with the store expected to open around Easter.
The proposed gates would seal off Russell Yard entirely. Residents of flats above the shops would use key fobs to enter through a pass door, while retailers and M&S delivery drivers would have separate electronic access. A London Fire Brigade override switch would allow emergency entry.
Land Registry documents [pdf] show the passage is subject to registered rights of way. However, on the planning application form, when asked whether the proposals require any diversions or extinguishments of rights of way, the applicant answered “no”. It is unclear how existing rights holders would maintain access once the gates are installed.
The application states the yard “has been neglected” and “needs to be closed-off from the public to avoid the current ‘dumping ground’, rough sleepers and potential for anti-social behaviour”.
The architects, Putney-based Floyd Slaski, present the project in lofty terms. Their design statement invokes watermen and ferryboats, quotes the 1742 Angler’s Guide, and describes the old timber Putney Bridge as a “beguiling iconic structure” whose story they feel “compelled to honour”. The bridge, depicted in Whistler’s etchings as a low horizontal span of chunky timber piers stretching across the Thames, stood for 137 years. The gate that claims its heritage is a vertical steel security barrier with rubber bumpers to absorb impacts from delivery trolleys.
Wandsworth Council’s formal consultation ran from 18 December to 8 January, but the physical site notice was not posted until 5 January, giving passers-by only three days to discover the application before the comment window closed. Planning rules require councils to accept representations for 21 days from when a site notice is displayed, which would extend the effective deadline to 26 January. The council has not clarified whether late comments will be considered.
Russell Yard currently provides rear access for deliveries to M&S and the shops at 63-71 Putney High Street, as well as the only entrance for residents of flats above those properties. Most of those units are now empty or boarded up. Enzo Uomo, the Italian menswear shop at number 63, closed on 3 January. Eastern Natural Care at 71 is boarded up. Creatures of Putney, the pet shop at number 67, appears closed, though stock remains in its windows. Only Putney Convenience Store at number 69 is still trading.
Number 67 is the one property in the row not owned by Marlborough, meaning its occupants would depend on the freeholder’s goodwill for access through the proposed gates.
A mobile security camera has been deployed in the yard while construction work continues on the M&S fit-out.
Token Yard, a residential development immediately behind, was among the addresses notified of the application.
Marlborough Property purchased the site for £13.3 million in 2016. The company is based in Syston, Leicestershire.
The application reference is 2025/4286. Although the formal consultation period has closed, planning authorities typically accept representations until a decision is made. The council must decide by 10 February.
Marks and Spencer is returning to Putney High Street after a seven-year absence. Read our full coverage of the M&S story.
Thank goodness this passage will be closed off. It was dirty and dangerous.
This is a great idea. I also hope that some decent stores come to Putney High St very soon as it looks awful. Many of the shops simply do not reflect the demographics of Putney. For example: do we need so many ubiquitous fluorescent vape shops staffed by dubious characters?