Having, over the last two years, engaged with residents living next to the old Mitcham gasworks site (see here and here), we think it is safe to say that the Development and Planning Applications Committee’s decision to approve St William’s planning application has infuriated them. No one denies that new homes are needed desperately. However, it is absurd that the Committee voted to approve a proposal which: (a) fails to meet the Council’s own target of 50% affordable housing, providing a mere 35% instead; (b) will see solely flats built, a fifth of which will have windows on only one side, and just 12% of which will have more than two bedrooms. Furthermore, the towers will look incongruous with their low-rise surroundings, and it is anybody’s guess as to whether calls for an independent assessment of contamination on the site will come to anything.

Sitting in the Council Chamber, we had felt hopeful when Councillors expressed concerns about the quality of accommodation proposed, the safety of the site, and the impact on the neighbourhood. Hence, it was a shock when all but (Independent) Councillor Edward Foley stated that, despite their reservations, they would vote to approve the application. It was within their power to get the developer to go back to the drawing board, but, bafflingly, they chose to betray residents instead.