In July 2010 The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government overturned Wandsworth Council’s approval of Minerva’s plans to develop the Ram Brewery site, which included building 1036 flats in two towers of 32 and 42 stories.

Proposed Ram Brewery Towers.
Big, weren't they?

After the Secretary of State agreed to “call in” the plans at the request of Martin Linton, Battersea’s then MP, there was a Public Enquiry in November 2009. Opposition to the development was lead by the Wandsworth Society and the Health and Safety Executive. The Tonsley Residents Association supported the Society by submitting written evidence and its members attended every day of the Enquiry.

The TRA objected to the development on the grounds of its height and density, the inclusion of insufficient affordable housing, the detrimental impact it would have on an already crowded Wandsworth Town station, the inherent danger of building such a huge development next to the gasholders and that the proposed changes to the gyratory system would mean more traffic in Old York Road. Basically we said that these towers, if they were to be built, would overshadow the Tonsleys and endanger what up to now has been one of Wandsworth’s most successful examples of urban regeneration.

The development in its present form was rejected because “while the scheme would… enhance the character of the High Street and bring the brewery buildings into beneficial use…the presence of the two tall towers would be so overwhelming that they would harm the character and setting of listed buildings and undermine the distinctive quality of the conservation area.” In addition, there was deemed to be insufficient affordable housing and the towers’ proximity to the gasholders was considered to be a safety risk. Interestingly the Enquiry rejected the suggestion that 1036 new flats would overwhelm the local transport system saying that it was “adequate” and could cope with the additional demand which is something to reflect on the next time you try to cram on to a rush hour train.

We must be vigilant! We hope approval will be sought for alterna- tive plans for the site and that Wandsworth Council will work with all the interested parties to reach an acceptable solution that does not compromise the character of the area. The TRA will review any new proposals and again make positive comments on the development of what is the most important site in the borough.