Rolling Stones legend Sir Mick Jagger and actress Felicity Kendal have come out fighting against Rockwell Property’s “toxic tower” for Battersea.

On the eve of the public inquiry, the two stars who have lived in Chelsea since the 1960s, voiced their vehement opposition to the tower. The Sunday Times yesterday previewed the comments that were given exclusively to The Chelses Citizen.

Ben Coleman MP has also issued statement to TCC demanding that the planning inspector rejects the appeal

SIR MICK JAGGER 

Sir Mick Jagger, who first moved to Chelsea in the early 1960s with Keith Richards and Brian Jones and still has a house in the area, said: 

“Such a huge building project of another high tower in Battersea & Chelsea makes no sense and is totally wrong on every level.

“I have lived in this area for a long time and I care what happens to it. If this goes ahead it could lead to more tall buildings being built in the area and changing this wonderful stretch of the Thames riverside forever.”

FELICITY KENDAL 

Actress Felicity Kendal, who has also lived inChelsea since the late 1960s, said: “This tower is utterly monstrous and will wreck this part of Battersea riverside. It is a total eyesore and completely out of keeping with this area. It simply must not be allowed. If they allow this, it will mark the beginning of the end of Battersea riverside as we know – and love – it.  It will open up a free for all for other developers to build towers along the river. Before long it will become another Vauxhall.   

“These developers don’t give a damn what anyone thinks. They are just in it for the money. If the Inspector goes against the will of everyone – the people and the council – and allows this tower it will be a travesty. It will be a defeat for democracy and basic common sense.”

BEN COLEMAN MP

“The development would result in an unattractive tall tower on a sensitive part of the riverfront which would significantly harm the vistas of local residents, including those in Chelsea.

“I’m aware that my concerns are shared by colleagues in Wandsworth. The proposal is in contravention of Wandsworth Council’s Local Plan, being in an area where tall buildings are not supported and exceeding the height of developments granted on a riverside site. I hope that the inspector confirms Wandsworth Council’s origins decision to reject the proposals.

“I would also expect a development of this size to show more ambition for genuinely affordable housing. London does not need more homes for overseas investors as opposed to local people.”

 

Yesterday’s story in The Sunday Times