Deputy prime minister John Prescott has ruled that plans for 14 flats on the site of a former garden retail business in Putney are in line with
Government policy for brownfield sites.

The go ahead comes after a public inquiry last month where the council
sought to limit development on the Dryburgh Road site to 10 homes.

The inspector appointed by the deputy prime minister concluded that 'the proposal (for 14 flats) would reflect the thrust of current Government guidance which advocates higher density housing on brownfield sites.'

Brownfield sites are those which have formerly been used for industrial
or commercial purposes.

The decision letter adds that the new homes 'would contribute to the
ongoing historical development of the area without causing harm to the
character of the conservation area or otherwise compromising the
environment.'

The council had given the applicant approval in October for a three
storey block with 10 flats. This followed a refusal in April for a four
storey block comprising 14 flats.

Prior to its use by the Adrian Hall group for plant and garden equipment
sales the land had a history of residential planning permissions.

The inspector's findings confirmed that the principle of residential development was not in dispute. She said that the council had seen both schemes as 'an opportunity to enhance the area with an imaginative, high quality design.'

The inspector did not agree that the proposal for 14 flats amounted to an overdevelopment of the site.

Planning applications chairman Ravi Govindia said the minister had clearly felt that both schemes put forward by the applicant would contribute to the local environment:

"The council argued strongly that a 10-flat development was the right size for this location. The minister took the view that given its previous use this was a classic brownfield site where he would want to see as much development as possible to help meet the Government's targets for new homes."

The council's request for conditions to be attached to the permission in respect of building materials, boundary treatment, landscaping and trees was agreed by the inspector.

Further information is available on www.wandsworth.gov.uk/planning ref 2002/3143

5th December 2002.

HISTORY:

Council to defend decision to limit development on Putney site 21.10.2002

RAGE - encourage pressure on style of building acceptable to the surrounding area 9.10.02

RAGE - new pressure group established to fight for the Garden Centre 22.08.02

Gates close on the Garden Centre - Public Inquiry in November 16.08.02

Resident sets out the situation regarding the possible closure of Putney Garden Centre and asks residents to take action to fight the plans.

Tony Colman MP urges Council to reconsider Garden sale

November 2001 key vote on Garden centre sale

Neighbour Net Limited and PutneySW15.com have no affiliation with RAGE