Plans to flatten the former ITV studios on the South Bank and build a ‘grotesque’ new block in its place have been put on ice after communities secretary Michael Gove stepped in.
Developers Mitsubishi had been given planning permission for the new office building in a prime location by the Thames by Lambeth Council, despite concerns by community groups that the scheme was ugly, would block out daylight and was “short-sighted”.
But Gove stepped in before the original building could be knocked down. Lambeth Council will now refer the development to the Greater London Authority, after which Gove’s department for levelling Up, housing and communities may call it in to make its own decision.
Lambeth gave planning permission originally, despite admitting the 25, fourteen and six-storey development was “clearly controversial and extremely unpopular”. Despite this, planners felt that the building would have a “calm and understated character on the river”.
Local groups welcomed the decision to pause the development.
David Hopkins, Coin Street Community Builders, said: “People across London should welcome Michael Gove’s intervention on this proposal. The much-loved South Bank is one of the world’s great public spaces. Our hope is for a fundamental re-think to protect this area of such importance to the nation, Londoners and the local community that live here”.
Coin Street Community Builders and fellow community group Waterloo Community Development Group had campaigned against the new scheme, which they argued would block out light and overshadow nearby listed buildings the National Theatre and the IBM building.
South Bank groups hit out at ‘grotesque’ plans for former ITV studios site
Michael Ball from the Waterloo Community Development Group, who led the campaign against the failed Garden Bridge, said that the proposals were a “grotesquery on steroids, a swollen deformity for the South Bank.”
A spokesperson for 72 Upper Ground said: “Our proposals to transform a dormant, closed-off central London site into a new mixed-use development that prioritises high-quality workspace and the provision of new arts and cultural space will be a great addition to the South Bank.”
“Recommended for approval by planning officers and by Lambeth Council, 72 Upper Ground will bring investment, 4,000 new jobs, and new workspace to one of London’s most famous destinations. Crucially, it will benefit the whole community through affordable workspace that is tailored to the needs of Lambeth’s emerging creative industries as well as cultural venues, new cafes and restaurants and open, green spaces.”
Lambeth Council previously gave planning permission for two 31 and 14 storey towers on the site containing 213 homes, but these plans have been sidelined for the office development.
This is the second time in recent weeks that Gove has stepped in to pause major development in central London, after he paused a controversial plan by Marks and Spencer to knock down its flagship store on Oxford Street to make room for a new building.