The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee met on Tuesday 14 July 2026 to discuss several planning applications and review recent decisions. The committee resolved to object to the proposed advertising structure at Wandsworth Roundabout, noting concerns about its visual impact and material inefficiency. They also discussed the proposed development at Brendan Valley House, with members expressing a general lack of enthusiasm but no strong objections on heritage grounds. The committee also considered the replacement of garages at The Limes, Limes Gardens, with members deeming it an inappropriate overdevelopment of the site. Finally, the committee unanimously objected to the retention of a flower stall at Clapham Junction Railway Station, citing its inappropriate nature within a conservation area and its obstruction of station access.

Wandsworth Roundabout Advertising Structure

The committee discussed the proposal to replace the existing advertising structure at Wandsworth Roundabout with a new timber lattice structure supporting digital LED advertisement displays. While the new design aimed to integrate better with the environment, mimicking a tree canopy, concerns were raised about the need for replacement, the energy and material inefficiency of the proposal, and the potential impact on views from nearby residential properties. Councillor Peter Farrow of the Wandsworth Society felt the proposal fell short of being sufficiently high quality. Councillor Charlie Fisher noted that representations from residents had not been positive, with concerns about increased impact on views from flats in Battersea Reach. Following discussion, the committee resolved to object to the proposal on grounds including questioning the need for replacement and concerns about energy and material inefficiency.

Brendan Valley House, Garrett Lane

The committee considered the demolition of the existing building at Brendan Valley House on Garrett Lane and the erection of a four-storey building to provide commercial floor space and nine residential units. This site has a history of planning applications, with a previous proposal for a fourth floor being refused on appeal due to its impact on the setting of the locally listed Jolly Gardener's Public House. Officers remained concerned about the fourth floor element, recommending a three-storey building. While members expressed a general lack of enthusiasm for the proposed design, describing it as bland and a missed opportunity, there was no strong consensus that it would be actively harmful in heritage terms. Councillor Chris Baron, the ward councillor, noted that the existing building was in poor condition and that the proposal could be a lot worse. Mr. Farrow found the building difficult to get enthusiastic about but acknowledged it might have a beneficial effect on the Jolly Gardeners. Councillor Fisher was sympathetic to the proposal, finding it in keeping with nearby buildings. Mr. Roger Armstrong described the design as as bland as possible and reticent, almost the point of invisibility. Ultimately, the committee seemed to accept the proposal, with the caveat that it was a missed opportunity.

Garages West of The Limes, Limes Gardens

The committee discussed the proposed demolition of three existing garages at The Limes, Limes Gardens and the erection of a two-storey dwelling house with a basement, including excavation beneath the adjacent public highway. Members expressed significant concerns that this constituted inappropriate overdevelopment of a site. Councillor Rex Osborn, representing the Wandsworth Society, felt the proposal was way too much and that digging down to create a basement extending under the pavement was impractical and potentially impermissible. Mr. Armstrong echoed these concerns, stating it doesn't look very buildable and was too greedy. Mr. Andrew Catto, from the Putney Society, acknowledged the need for solutions for derelict garage sites but stressed the importance of sympathetic design, which he felt was lacking in this proposal. The committee's summary indicated a shared view that the proposal was an inappropriate overdevelopment, with concerns about height, development under the pavement, and the attempt to disguise the upper story as a roof.

Clapham Junction Flower Stall

The committee unanimously objected to the retention of the existing flower stall at Clapham Junction Railway Station, described as a metal box or flower shipping container, for a temporary period of two years. The application was based on a misunderstanding of planned redevelopment in the area. Councillor Michael Jubb, Chair of the committee, outlined the long history of opposition to the stall, noting it had never received proper planning permission and had been granted only temporary permissions. He quoted a former Chair of the Planning Applications Committee who stated, they should be told two years and that's it. No more. The committee's previous objection in 2024 described the structure as a completely inappropriate structure to be situated within a conservation area, which cluttered the pavement, hindered the entrance to the railway station, and obstructed the view when exiting the station to buildings of note. Concerns were also raised about fire safety implications and the stall's negative impact on the station's entrance and exit, particularly at night. The committee recommended that the temporary permission sought should not be granted.

Matters Arising and Decisions Noted

The committee noted that there was no update on Furzedown Lodge, with ongoing discussions at the pre-application stage. They also reviewed a list of decisions made on planning applications previously considered by the committee. Notable among these was the unanimous support for the Meadbank Nursing Home proposal, which was granted planning permission. The committee had objected to the application at 2 Altenburg Gardens, but planning permission was still granted. They had also unanimously objected to the application at 96-104 Upper Tooting Road, which was subsequently refused by the Planning Applications Committee for multiple reasons, including height, design, and impact on heritage assets. The committee supported the proposals for 9-15 Elcho Street, which involved the redevelopment of design studios for Vivian Westwood. They had also supported the application for 110-112 Putney High Street, but this was refused by the Planning Applications Committee and the appeal was dismissed. The committee had unanimously objected to the Glassmill development, and this appeal was also dismissed.

The committee also noted that the local listing consultation would recommence after the local elections.

Appointments

Dr Michael Jubb was appointed as Chair of the committee for a period of four years, and Mr Peter Farrow was appointed as Deputy Chair for the same period.