Clapham Junction Masterplan: initial presentation focusing on vague options for overpass bridges
1 DAY AGO - On the dry early afternoon of Friday, March 15, residents of Clapham Junction were invited to Expand
1 DAY AGO - On the dry early afternoon of Friday, March 15, residents of Clapham Junction were invited to attend a drop-in event at Battersea Library. The invitation stated that it was an occasion to “meet the design team working on the Clapham Junction masterplan that is being produced by Wandsworth Borough Council and partners.” The use of the term “masterplan” in the initial email raised eyebrows as it is a sensitive term, especially for the area. Many still vividly remember the proposed 42-storey twin towers for Clapham Junction station in 2008 and the extensive campaign against it before the project was eventually Collapse
The Labour Council raised suspicions following a cumbersome communication process and a convoluted cover-up effort
07/03/2024 - If the common perception of Council meetings is that they are dull and boring, the end of the year Expand
07/03/2024 - If the common perception of Council meetings is that they are dull and boring, the end of the year seems to be an exception to the rule, at least in Wandsworth Council. The Conservative Council had its moments, such as in December 2021 when Councillor Govindia, the then Conservative leader of the Council, mentioned the “ghosts of Christmas pasts“. This time around, Councillor Hogg, the current Labour leader, started singing “bingle bell, bingle bell…“, in reference to former Cllr Peter Bingle (see our other article for more details). The final Council meeting of 2023 was notably lively, particularly due to Collapse
Asda is laying turf on its landscape to replace bark mulch
04/03/2024 - In preparation for spring, Asda has decided to change the layout of their landscaping and cover it Expand
04/03/2024 - In preparation for spring, Asda has decided to change the layout of their landscaping and cover it with grass instead of the previous mix of bark mulch and small shrubs. The bark mulch was a poor attempt to reduce maintenance for those spaces and was often filled with rubbish, with shrubs failing to thrive. The end of winter and early spring are ideal times to lay turf, when the soil isn’t too wet or frosty and minimal mowing is needed. Newly laid turf can then be left relatively undisturbed for several weeks, aiding in its rooting. The result should be Collapse
The 2023 Volunteer Survey results are out!
07/02/2024 - Celebrating the Positive Impact of Our Volunteers! 2023 Volunteer Survey Results We are thrilled Expand
07/02/2024 - Celebrating the Positive Impact of Our Volunteers! 2023 Volunteer Survey Results We are thrilled to share the fantastic results from our recently conducted KLS Volunteer Survey for 2023. The overwhelming…
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KLS tapestry displayed at Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum
24/01/2024 - ‘Everybody Champions’ is a series of four community-led tapestries created by KLS Chief Creative Expand
24/01/2024 - ‘Everybody Champions’ is a series of four community-led tapestries created by KLS Chief Creative Director Adalberto Lonardi in collaboration with our Love to Learn Programme, the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Museum…
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38-storeys tower proposal in Battersea Bridge: Are people told they are wasting their time in consultation?
21/01/2024 - An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been submitted by developers for a 38-storey tower at Expand
21/01/2024 - An Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been submitted by developers for a 38-storey tower at the bottom of Battersea Bridge. The proposal from the developers seems so much at odd with the local context and in total breach of the local plan that it has attracted 330 objections in a few weeks. The developers of the Glassmill site at 1 Battersea Bridge Road have submitted a request for a formal scoping opinion for their plan to construct a 38-storey tower. The proposed development involves replacing the current glass-clad building on the southern bank of the river, situated at the base Collapse
HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh visit to celebrate our 100 Anniversary
16/01/2024 - Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea Expand
16/01/2024 - Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Edinburgh visited the Katherine Low Settlement in Battersea today, as the charity begins its 100th Anniversary Year celebrations. Watch the full coverage on London…
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Skyscrapers in London: The Time of Greenwashing
08/01/2024 - With the environment now at the forefront of people’s concerns (of course alongside the cost Expand
08/01/2024 - With the environment now at the forefront of people’s concerns (of course alongside the cost of living and the housing crisis), being an eco-friendly building has become a necessary and powerful justification. Especially over the last decade, BREEAM has been the acronym giving the green light to buildings. It’s a methodology that rates buildings on how eco-friendly they are, from energy use to materials and waste. Nowadays, all skyscrapers aim to achieve an “excellent” BREEAM rating, which serves as the gold standard for sustainable construction. This means that the building is a top performer in terms of sustainability and excels Collapse
Closure of Fitness First Falcon Road/Lavender Hill: Reasons, and nearby alternatives
13/12/2023 - You might have noticed that the Falcon Road/Lavender Hill branch of Fitness First abruptly and Expand
13/12/2023 - You might have noticed that the Falcon Road/Lavender Hill branch of Fitness First abruptly and definitively closed 10 days ago. All 1200 members who subscribed to the gym at this branch received an email informing them about the closure. Fitness First staff told us that the initial plan was to completely refurbish the gym within the building before continuing its operation. However, prior to investing in the refurbishment, they aimed to secure a new lease as it was expiring this month. Regrettably, an agreement on the renewal terms couldn’t be reached between the landlord and the owners. A company has Collapse
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Rough Sleeper Hub: The council communicates with a FAQ leaflet
5 DAYS AGO - At the beginning of the year, the future of the rough sleeper hub planned for Lavender Hill Expand
5 DAYS AGO - At the beginning of the year, the future of the rough sleeper hub planned for Lavender Hill appeared uncertain, with the planning department lacking information on the application’s status. However, the Council has recently distributed a leaflet containing a series of FAQs to address residents’ concerns, indicating a willingness to proceed. Although an initial date of 18th January 2024 was set for the Rough Sleeper Hub application to be considered by the Planning Application Committee, planning officers informed CJI that the plan was on hold, awaiting a decision from the housing department. It appears that progress is being made, as Collapse
Update on Winstanley & York estates redevelopment: slow progress and more delays
04/03/2024 - Winstanley and York Estates redevelopment project is progressing very slowly. Currently, only Expand
04/03/2024 - Winstanley and York Estates redevelopment project is progressing very slowly. Currently, only Block 5 on the northern part of the project has been erected, and work is still ongoing. Block 5 comprises three buildings, referred to as 5A (14 storeys – 55 units of social rent and equity share housing instead of the originally planned 65 shared ownership accommodations as the Council has acquired Block 5a), 5B (6 storeys – shared equity and social rented accommodation for decant), and 5C (12 storeys – shared equity and social rented accommodation for decant). In total, it is expected to deliver 126 Council Collapse
A rather unique historic house on Clapham Common is for sale (and maybe demolition)
02/03/2024 - Hidden away between the big Victorian houses along the north side of Clapham Common is something a Expand
02/03/2024 - Hidden away between the big Victorian houses along the north side of Clapham Common is something a bit different. 64 Clapham Common Northside is much smaller, much plainer. It’s tucked back between two large neighbours, to the extent you barely notice it from the road. It also has the look of being a bit forgotten, with boarded up windows, a generous but somewhat neglected garden, and a noticeable hole in the roof. This unassuming house is one of the last surviving parts of a large manor house, called Northside. Northside was built in the first big wave of development in Collapse
KLS launches its 100th birthday year
30/01/2024 - On 16th January KLS welcomed HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to launch their 100th birthday Expand
30/01/2024 - On 16th January KLS welcomed HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh to launch their 100th birthday celebrations, building on a legacy of royal visits: KLS was opened by The Queen Mother, as…
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KLS Elders Battersea Zoomers & National Trust at 575 Wandsworth Road
23/01/2024 - Watch KLS Elders Battersea Zoomers using the latest technology to find friendship, at remarkable Expand
23/01/2024 - Watch KLS Elders Battersea Zoomers using the latest technology to find friendship, at remarkable London home It’s one of the smallest houses cared for by the National Trust but it’s…
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Councils in crisis? Not for Wandsworth with a record-low debt level
18/01/2024 - A recent BBC analysis revealed that UK councils collectively carry a staggering debt of £97.8 Expand
18/01/2024 - A recent BBC analysis revealed that UK councils collectively carry a staggering debt of £97.8 billion, equating to an average debt of £1,455 per resident as of September 2023. Woking unfortunately leads the pack when considering the level of borrowing per inhabitant, with an enormous debt nearing £2 billion and a population just over 100,000. Although Birmingham holds the record for the largest total debt among all local authorities, standing at nearly £3 billion, its population is more than ten times that of Woking (1,142,000 residents), resulting in a lower debt per person. However, Birmingham’s financial situation is so concerning, Collapse
Rough Sleeper Hub in Lavender Hill currently on hold
16/01/2024 - While an initial date of 18th January 2024 was published for the Rough Sleeper Hub application to Expand
16/01/2024 - While an initial date of 18th January 2024 was published for the Rough Sleeper Hub application to be considered by the Planning Application Committee, CJI was told that the plan is currently on hold. At the very end of September, an application for the Rough Sleeper Hub on Lavender Hill appeared on the Wandsworth Planning Portal. The Council’s proposal outlines internal redevelopment and a change of use for a hub designed to accommodate up to 11 residents, featuring a reception area, staff offices, meeting room, tea/coffee counter, and kitchen. Read our article with a presentation of the scheme: A rough sleeper Collapse
Skyscrapers in London: is it time to throw in the towel and admit the battle is lost?
21/12/2023 - About ten years ago, when Boris Johnson was Mayor of London, a meeting was organised to discuss Expand
21/12/2023 - About ten years ago, when Boris Johnson was Mayor of London, a meeting was organised to discuss planning matters in the bulbous shape of the City Hall building beside Tower Bridge. During a break, Johnson conversed with a representative from the Wandsworth Society and commended the view from the windows, praising the Gherkin as a beautiful iconic building. When he was told that unfortunately it would likely be soon completely obscured by most of the skyscrapers he had recently permitted, he chuckled. For the man who campaigned in 2008 against what he called Ken Livingston’s “phallocratic towers” and vowed not Collapse
A freeholder is trying to sell air above a Northcote Road property
11/12/2023 - If you have been concerned with property becoming less and less affordable, the difficulty in Expand
11/12/2023 - If you have been concerned with property becoming less and less affordable, the difficulty in finding a home, or the risk of becoming homeless, you won’t be reassured to read that now even air can be bought for private use. Phillip Arnold, an auction house based in London offering service for the sale of properties is committed to put under the hammer the airspace above 47 Northcote Road in Clapham Junction, with a starting price of £10,000 (and it could go anywhere above that amount). The offering, comprising the airspace above two self-contained flats and a ground floor restaurant undergoing Collapse
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Emanuel School’s proposal for a new 4-storey science and dining building
7 DAYS AGO - Emanuel School has submitted a plan to replace their current science and dining buildings with a Expand
7 DAYS AGO - Emanuel School has submitted a plan to replace their current science and dining buildings with a 4-storey structure, along with associated landscaping works and replacement car parking utilising the existing access from Spencer Park Road. Emanuel School is a private, co-educational day school located in Battersea not far from Spencer Park (a private park in the middle of a private development of large villas from around 1870, plus some later buildings, with access available only to residents). The school was established in 1594 by Anne Sackville, Lady Dacre, and Queen Elizabeth I. has occupied its present 12-acre (4.9 ha) campus Collapse
The Battersea Society’s fundraising walks in aid of Katherine Low Settlement
04/03/2024 - The Battersea Society is sponsoring three fundraising walks as part of Katherine Low Settlement’s Expand
04/03/2024 - The Battersea Society is sponsoring three fundraising walks as part of Katherine Low Settlement’s 100th birthday. We want to support the outstanding work of this Battersea mainstay and help them…
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The Red Setter is replacing All Bar One in Northcote Road
24/02/2024 - A new pub called The Red Setter will be opening this spring in the premises occupied previously by Expand
24/02/2024 - A new pub called The Red Setter will be opening this spring in the premises occupied previously by All Bar One located in 32-38 Northcote Road. The Red Setter is part of a group of 40 pubs, restaurants, and bars across London, all with their own individual style and concept, offering cocktails and food in the style of a suburban gastropub. Urban Pubs & Bars were founded in 2014 by Nick Bring and Malcolm Heap. It seems to take part in the global gentrification of Clapham Junction, with more generic and standard establishments being replaced by “urban bars” and cocktail Collapse
Sainsbury’s to replace Co-op in Northcote Road
26/01/2024 - Co-op is leaving Northcote Road in March but local shoppers won’t loose a supermarket as Expand
26/01/2024 - Co-op is leaving Northcote Road in March but local shoppers won’t loose a supermarket as Sainsbury’s will take over. The new store will be a Sainsbury’s Local, rather than the type of large-scale supermarkets that you can find in Clapham Common or Wandsworth Town. However, it will be towards the upper end of that range, at around 5,500 sq ft (the maximum for a Sainsbury’s Local being around 6,000 sq ft). The store will mainly focus on food and convenience products (including ready-made meals), with a selection of household products on the shelves. It will also offer a click and Collapse
A bold proposal… to abandon the promised landscaping in the Avery Walk housing development
23/01/2024 - We keep an eye on new planning applications in the Lavender Hill area – and from time to time we Expand
23/01/2024 - We keep an eye on new planning applications in the Lavender Hill area – and from time to time we see one that we think has to be some kind of joke! This time it’s at Avery Walk, where an entirely new street was built a few years ago on the site of an old Victorian bakery, that had been a metalworking business for many years. A previous article reported about this completely new street, where the nine houses were put on the market for a total price well north of £10 million. It was quite a big development, which had been described as pushing Collapse
Social Affair, a new coffee shop & restaurant, has just opened on Lavender Hill
17/01/2024 - Hot on the heels of Phresh Juice and Pique, another brand new coffee shop and restaurant has just Expand
17/01/2024 - Hot on the heels of Phresh Juice and Pique, another brand new coffee shop and restaurant has just opened at the eastern end of Lavender Hill. Social Affair has just taken over the old premises of Room 43, which for several years had run as a very popular bar and live music venue, but whose owner decided it was time to move on. The front of house is offering proper quality coffee (which we can vouch for), and a range of pastries and snacks including croissants and rather good dougnuts. But that’s not all, as 43 Lavender Hill is an unusually large venue and the back of Collapse
Arding & Hobbs: An Italian grocery revealed as the last tenant on the ground floor
11/01/2024 - Prezzemolo & Vitale (P&V) is the latest tenant in the final available unit of the Arding Expand
11/01/2024 - Prezzemolo & Vitale (P&V) is the latest tenant in the final available unit of the Arding & Hobbs redevelopment. It will complement other spaces occupied by Botanica Hall, already open at the corner of Lavender Hill and St John’s Road, and Thirdspace, a luxury health club set to open later in 2024. P&V London, a Sicilian grocery shop, currently operates stores in Chelsea, Notting Hill, Borough Market, and Wimbledon. The shop offers fruits and vegetables, Italian charcuterie & cheeses, along with various Italian grocery products such as pasta, olive oil, and tomato sauce. They take pride in their brand, Giù Collapse
Is Peabody really confused or just disconnected from Clapham Junction?
15/12/2023 - Is Peabody trying to get it all wrong until the end? It’s with disbelief that local Expand
15/12/2023 - Is Peabody trying to get it all wrong until the end? It’s with disbelief that local residents saw the new advertising board that Peabody & Mount Anvil have placed on the wooden panels surrounding the last phase of the development in St John’s Hill: They call the new estate “One Clapham”! If there was any doubt to Peabody’s communication team, they could have checked on Wikipedia and read: “Clapham Junction is an urban locality around Clapham Junction railway station in London, England. Despite its name, it is not located in Clapham, but forms the commercial centre of Battersea.” They have Collapse
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