Approval granted for Vauxhall development

Vauxhall's skyline looks set to change after planning permission was granted for two new high-rise towers behind the MI6 intelligence agency headquarters.

Communities secretary Eric Pickles gave the mixed-use development the go ahead following a public enquiry in March this year.

Two towers - one with 40 storeys and the other with 32 - will provide a total of 291 new apartments, of which 58 will be affordable units.

Shops, restaurants, a hotel and a cinema will also be built as part of the development, helping to regenerate the Vauxhall Nine Elms area.

The original planning application was made in 2010 but it was rejected by Lambeth Council. This prompted landowner Wendover Investments to lodge an appeal, and the development has now been given the green light.

It is part of a much wider redevelopment project that will see 16,000 new homes created along the riverside from Battersea Power Station to Lambeth Bridge and make property to rent in Vauxhall even more attractive.

Michael Squire from Squire and Partners, which designed the new towers, said: "We are delighted that the plans for the Vauxhall Cross Island site have been granted consent by the inspectorate.

"The scheme will transform and reinvigorate the area, opening up the confusing transport interchange and providing an important connection between the historic centre of Vauxhall, the river and the emerging Vauxhall, Nine Elms Battersea Opportunity Area."

He added: "New retail, offices and public spaces will improve the ground floor environment and bring life to this previously derelict site."

The news comes after plans for another new development at the old Eastbury House site were given the go ahead by Lambeth Council.

A new 28-storey building will be built to replace the existing 11-storey tower block, providing space for 48 new homes as well as offices, retail outlets and restaurants.

Posted by Martyn Glynn
 

Published 22nd August, 2012

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