The Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee of Wandsworth Council met on Tuesday, 30th January 2024, to discuss several planning applications and review recent decisions. The committee unanimously supported the proposal for Emmanuel School and unanimously objected to the plans for 179 Battersea Park Road. They also noted a report on recent planning decisions.

Applications Discussed

The committee considered two planning applications, providing comments that will be reported to the relevant case officers and the Planning Applications Committee.

Emmanuel School, Battersea Rise, SW11 1HS

The committee unanimously supported the proposal for alterations at Emmanuel School, including the demolition of existing buildings and the erection of a new four-storey science and dining building, along with landscaping and replacement car parking. The current main building, built in the 1860s as an orphanage, is locally listed within the Wandsworth Common Conservation Area. The proposed new building, constructed from brick, terracotta, and metal, will house science labs, a refectory, and kitchens. Members noted that while seven local residents objected due to loss of sunlight, approximately 100 positive responses were received. The committee felt the new building would be in keeping with the aesthetics of the main building, unlike the current 1960s structures.

179 Battersea Park Road, SW8 4LR

The committee unanimously objected to the proposed erection of rear, side, and roof extensions at 179 Battersea Park Road. The property and its neighbour are prominent corner buildings dating from 1864, designed by James Knowles as part of the intended Park Town Estate. Concerns were raised about the lack of outside amenity space, although officers noted a small communal amenity space would be provided at lower ground level. Members cited several issues, including the potential loss of key features and symmetry with the adjoining property at the front, and a substantial rear extension that would double the building's footprint. The committee also objected to the mansard roof extension and additional storey, believing they would detract from the visual aesthetic of the buildings and similar properties within the conservation area.

Review of Recent Decisions

The committee noted a report detailing recent decisions on planning applications that had previously been considered by the committee. Members reiterated concerns about the lack of explicit reference to the committee's input in the final decisions, particularly in cases where the committee's recommendation appeared to have been disregarded. They discussed potential process improvements to prevent this from happening in the future. It was clarified that not all applications considered by the committee would necessarily be reviewed by the Planning Applications Committee; this would depend on the significance and nature of the application.

Future Meeting Dates

The scheduled dates for future meetings of the Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee were noted: 27th March 2024, 7th May 2024, 23rd July 2024, 10th September 2024, 12th November 2024, 28th January 2025, 26th March 2025, and 6th May 2025.

Other Business

Ms Frances Radcliffe, representing the Friends of Battersea Park, requested that a forthcoming planning application concerning the Pear Tree Café in Battersea Park be presented to the committee. This application involves changes to a past proposal and includes plans for new toilets and a barbecue hatch. The Principal Conservation and Urban Design Officer agreed to investigate whether this application could be presented at the February meeting.