The Wandsworth Council has unanimously rejected the proposal for the 29-storey One Battersea Bridge tower, a project put forward by developer Rockwell. The decision was made during an April 2025 meeting following significant objections from local residents, heritage organizations, and public figures.
One Battersea Bridge Project: Ambitions and Controversies
The project aimed to replace the existing six-storey Glassmill office building with a modern 29-storey residential tower. It was planned to include 110 apartments, of which 54 were designated as affordable housing, along with office spaces, a restaurant, and a new public area.
Initially, the architects from Farrells proposed a 39-storey tower, but after receiving early criticism, they revised the design and reduced the height to 29 storeys. Despite this adjustment, the council found the tower still excessively tall for its intended location.
Reasons for Rejection
The primary reason for the rejection was the project’s conflict with the local development plan, which limits building heights in that area to six storeys. According to the council, the proposed tower would have been “excessively tall and dominating,” disrupting the harmonious character of the riverside and the historic fabric of the district.
The council also raised concerns about the feasibility of delivering the promised proportion of affordable housing, questioning whether the figures could be sustained throughout the development process.
Public Opposition
The One Battersea Bridge project faced widespread public opposition. Local residents, architectural groups, and heritage organizations voiced strong concerns.
A petition opposing the project gathered over 5,000 signatures, including endorsements from well-known public figures. More than 2,000 formal objections were submitted to the council. Opponents highlighted the potential threat to the traditional riverside landscape and warned about the negative impact on the area’s historic character.
There were also concerns about increased pressure on local infrastructure, higher traffic volumes, and deteriorating living conditions for nearby residents.
Developer’s Response
Rockwell expressed deep disappointment at the council’s decision. Company representatives emphasized that the project would have delivered 110 new homes, with a significant proportion designated as affordable housing — an important contribution toward easing the local housing shortage.
The managing director of Rockwell pointed out that more than 11,000 people in Wandsworth are currently on the waiting list for permanent housing, suggesting that projects like One Battersea Bridge could help address the critical demand.
Next Steps
Following the council’s rejection, the developer has the option to appeal the decision in the administrative courts or to submit a revised proposal addressing the council’s concerns. However, the likelihood of approval for any version of the tower without substantial changes to its height remains extremely low.
Community groups continue to advocate for alternative development plans that respect the height limits and the historical context of the area.
Conclusion
The case of One Battersea Bridge highlights the crucial balance between increasing housing supply and preserving architectural heritage. The controversial Battersea tower has become a symbol of the ongoing tension between commercial interests and the protection of historic London neighborhoods.
Wandsworth Council’s decision demonstrates a clear commitment to prioritizing community interests, safeguarding the urban environment, and adhering to established development guidelines. Moving forward, developers will need to pay greater attention to both economic factors and the social expectations surrounding the scale and quality of new projects.
