Wandsworth Planners - again
Seeing another thread on this Forum about the bizarre handling of planning applications by WBC prompts me to draw another one (2019/2874) to your attention.This one relates to the expansion of the Roche School in Frogmore, just off the Putney Bridge Road. In 2017, their application to extend (2017/5753) was rejected. In 2019 they submitted another application which was basically much the same as the rejected one, the major difference this time round being the construction of a huge underground Sports Hall, classrooms and office area which will leave the school with no outside play area and pupils being taught in underground classrooms.This time round the planners incredibly recommended approval despite saying that "it is clearly evident that the site has already been maximised" and "that basement accommodation is not considered ideal". But as it's a private school, parents have the choice so that's all right then. If it had been a State School, one assumes the application would have been refused.The expansion works are scheduled to last THREE YEARS during the school holidays. The 17 objections received were nearly all related to the huge basement excavation which we calculated (using figures supplied by Cappagh) would result in over 350 lorry loads of earth being transported through our crowded streets. One of my neighbours is looking forward to having a jet wash to remove mud from the lorry wheels just a few feet from his doorstep!However, the planners meekly accepted the school's assurance that the excavation works could be completed in ONE MONTH. Hopefully, the Government will give these contractors the HS2 and the Heathrow Third Runway business as they would probably be able to complete both of them by next Christmas at they rate they obviously work. Worryingly, the meeting was told that Wandsworth doesn't have a policy on basement extensions, unlike Kensington & Chelsea and Westminster, and so there was no objection to this massive project. This will be music to the ears of any developers considering basement extensions in the borough as a dangerous precedent has now been set.Credit goes to the Labour side of the table who asked some very pertinent questions but in the end the application was approved 6 votes to 4. Come the 2022 local elections if I were a Conservative councillor I wouldn't waste too much time canvassing in the Frogmore/Sudlow Road area. Even if they start tomorrow, the works will still not be finished by then and local residents have long memories. The school originally opened in the same building with 30 pupils. It will now cater for 328 pupils and up to 80 staff in a narrow primarily residential street. Congratulations to all concerned with the application - you should be proud of yourselves.
Hugh Walton ● 2470d2 Comments