Forum Topic

Social Media takeover of planning application

I don't apologise for  another thread about the Palmhouse as this is something I've not seen before. Literally this - Incipio yesterday posted  a campaign message on Facebook in addition to one on Instagram.'We’re super excited to announce we’ve submitted an application to Wandsworth Council for a brand-new Putney venue called ‘The Palmhouse’ – woop! We’d like to build a beautiful living, landscaped rooftop garden on the top floor car park of the Putney Exchange. We’ll fill it with nothing but good stuff: vibrant greenery, signature palm trees, 3 seasonal & rotating restaurants and a bar. Everyone welcome - kids n’ all! Trust us, it’s going to be gooood – but WE NEED YOUR HELP! If you want to know more about it, please tag your friends that live in and around Putney below and get them to comment on our proposal - see link below - We are hopefully looking forward to joining the Putney Exchange family soon!'The planning portal has since been inundated with messages of support from both Putney and non Putney residents. Of course many of these 'supporters' have no idea that this new venue is  located so close to a residential area. Not that they would care if they knew as their quality of life will not be affected. If you object to the proposal please do so as soon as possible. Thank you.PS I have no objection to such a venue but the Exchange is entirely the wrong location to have it.

Lucille Grant ● 2839d14 Comments

I don't really have an objection to this application, however i do believe that this is very unfair and i think it should be put to WBC that all 'pro development' comments made (as of the date of the social media post) not be allowed for consideration. That should stop silly stunts like that in the future.It would be like the people objecting contacting family and friends who live elsewhere to comment also......sorry for bad grammar!

Emarisa Battoia ● 2839d

The Planning Department are aware as Councillor Torrington has informed them and I have today written to the Chairman of the Planning Committee.I agree with you Emarisa, any comments that are obviously made as a result of this campaign should be disregarded but it will be up to the Planning Department as to how they proceed now. This won't be the last time social media will be used.

Lucille Grant ● 2839d

It's also worth noting that the link they add to their Instagram post isn't to the full planning application, but to the comments box about it. So it's very easy for anyone to simply tick ' support' without actually reading the plans or understanding their implications.

Loma-Ann ● 2839d

Which is precisely what they want!

Lucille Grant ● 2839d

undermines the planning process, but also undermines the proposal itself, confirming they have no interest in the local community and are just in it to line their own pockets. Also the trite 'support' comments simply highlight the well informed objections. I heard that community posters informing residents of the proposal  have been pulled down... How childish!

Susan Bloomfield ● 2839d

This sounds very much like the Planning Application that Rosslyn Park submitted for their digital advertising screens.  Members posted positive comments (even if they did not live in Putney/Roehampton), other rugby clubs posted positive comments, even if the clubs were 100 miles away from RPFC...

Ivonne Holliday ● 2839d

I noticed on the Brent Council Planning site that you have to live in the borough for the comment to be valid. Don’t think Wandsworth have a similar policy but they should.

Jenny Traynor ● 2839d

Indeed they should but interestingly if you look at the Facebook page  people are tagging friends who live in Putney to support the proposal.

Lucille Grant ● 2839d

The modern world, not all young people go to planning websites, they prefer social media as the proposers well know.  Normal practice imo, those opposing be vigilant!!  (I would actually support it, but I don't live that close to the Exchange).

Bunny Payne ● 2839d

I have to admit I'm not at all surprised by Incipio's actions on social media. They have zero regard for the residents of Putney. Its all about getting approval for what clearly is just another drinking establishment at all costs.

Rich Murray ● 2838d

Here’s the posthttps://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=2136777813035107&id=402829263096646&anchor_composer=falseGood to add comments re unsuitability etcCheersMike

Mike Warman ● 2838d

now they seem to be taking over this home page as well!

Susan Bloomfield ● 2835d

they are now bombarding the Exchange shoppers with support the Palmhouse brochures which give very flimsy information on the real nature of the venue

Susan Bloomfield ● 2833d

One would hope that when reviewing the comments on the planning application the planning committee prioritises those posted by Putney residents over those from outside the town. In my opinion the views of those who live or work outside the boundaries of the town itself really have very little if any bearing at all.

Freddie Francis ● 2833d