Stop the Blocks in Kennington
Key Concerns
We are not opposed to redevelopment of the site. We want more affordable and accessible housing in this community. But it has to be proportionate to its setting and sustainable in the long term.
We want a lower density development that would protect the significance of the Listed Buildings, Conservation Areas and respect the prevailing building heights, density and massing of the surrounding residential properties.
Key reasons why the proposals are not considered suitable:
- Height and bulk blocking daylight and privacy to existing homes
- Over-development of the site and poor urban design; limited amenity space and tight walking routes around the building with limited natural light
- Only 24 out of the 258 units proposed will be “affordable” rent units
- Impact on Listed Water Tower and Cinema Museum building
- Impact on Brook Drive, Renfrew Road, Elliot’s Row, Walcot Square and Conservation Area, St. Dante Road, Mary’s Gardens and West Square Conservation Areas
- Outside the Elephant and Castle core of tall buildings (which border main roads)
- Disproportionate and excessively high density of dwellings out of context with a low-rise urban area (tower will be in the centre of pre-existing residential areas)
- Additional strain and cost of impact on environment, existing roads, services and supporting infrastructure.
- Contrary to the National Planning Policy Framework, the Lambeth Local Plan and London Plan policy
- Sets precedent for more tall buildings across Kennington