High-rise development by Texan billionaire raises major concerns over the damage to Brixton’s historic environment.
The Victorian Society strongly objects to plans to build a towering 20-storey development next to Brixton Conservation Area. The controversial plans were approved in November, but the society welcomes the news that local campaigners Save Nour have launched a petition urging the Mayor of London to overturn the planning approval decision.
Our objection to the development highlights two causes for concern. Firstly, the towering height of the development, which would overshadow nearby historic buildings, and secondly the danger of this scheme setting a precedent for further tall buildings in the area. Over time this would completely erode Brixton’s special character.
Olivia Stockdale, Conservation Advisor for the The Victorian Society said, ‘This area of Brixton has avoided the intensive development which has blighted many of London’s historic urban centres. It therefore retains its character as a predominantly Victorian town centre. The plans to construct a building of 20-storeys next to this Conservation Area demonstrates a total failure to understand and respond to the context of the area. Whilst buildings of this height may be appropriate elsewhere in London, this is clearly not a location where this applies. The proposed would overshadow the surrounding buildings, including the historic Electric Avenue which, when built in the 1880s, was the first market street lit by electric lights.’
Joe O’Donnell, The Victorian Society Director, said ‘This is an opportunity to respond to what is wanted by the local community. If a huge office tower block was ever really needed or viable in Brixton, it’s commercial future now seems doubtful as it is unclear whether London will ever return to previous levels of office demand in a post COVID-19 world of home working. We have sent our objection to the Mayor to inform his decision.’
The full The Victorian Society objection letter can be read here.
05/01/2021
