Lambeth Council Approves £2bn Vauxhall Tower Development

Lambeth Council's Planning Applications Committee has approved plans for a major £2 billion development in Vauxhall, which includes a 230-metre-high residential tower. The scheme, set to be one of the UK's second-tallest residential buildings, will comprise seven structures delivering a total of 1,097 flats, 1,164 co-living units, and accommodation for 699 students. The decision was narrowly passed by four votes to three during a meeting on Tuesday evening.

Concerns Over Housing and Emissions

During the committee meeting, councillors voiced significant concerns regarding the reduction in the proportion of affordable housing offered, which was lowered from an initial 35% to 25%. Additionally, the development's potential carbon emissions were a key point of contention. An architect specialising in carbon in construction stated that the development averages nearly double the London Plan target for carbon emissions, estimating around 630 kilograms of CO2 per square metre compared to the target of 300-350 kilograms. This architect, Mike Kane, described the project as "the worst example of unremitting hostility to the planet in terms of generating unnecessarily huge carbon emissions".

Councillor Kevin Brown highlighted that the towers would overshadow public spaces and impact residents beyond the immediate local area, including those in Stockwell and Brixton. He also noted potential effects on pubs and businesses around Little Portugal. Despite these concerns, the plans were approved with an added condition requiring a Whole Life Cycle Carbon Assessment for each phase of the development before construction begins.

Opposition from Heritage and Neighbouring Councils

The proposed development also faced opposition during its consultation period from Historic England, Wandsworth Council, and Westminster Council. Historic England expressed concerns about the "incremental harm" the development could cause to the Westminster World Heritage Site, which includes the Palace of Westminster and Westminster Abbey. Westminster City Council raised worries about the impact on views within the Pimlico and Vincent Square Conservation Areas. Wandsworth Council argued that the development would lead to "unacceptable daylight and sunlight impacts" for its residents and cited potential issues with bus services.

Developer's Contribution and Vision

Jason Tracy, founder of Bmor, one of the developers, described the scheme as an "opportunity to complete the regeneration of this part of Vauxhall on an extraordinary scale." He stated the ambition was to create a "beacon of modern urban living infused with diversity, energy, and the electricity of a true London community," rather than solely a luxury development. Of the 1,097 homes, 25% are designated as affordable, comprising 122 social rent homes and 120 Discount Market Rent homes. The developers will contribute £79.9 million towards the delivery of off-site affordable housing, a sum planning officers described as a "very substantial public benefit" that helps mitigate conflicts with adopted affordable housing policies.

The development site already has existing planning permission for a mixed-use redevelopment with tall buildings. The approved scheme also includes plans for offices, a hotel, a cinema, retail spaces, and community facilities, such as a publicly accessible gym and swimming pool.