Plans for a 20-storey apartment block next to Tate Modern have been given the go ahead by the High Court.
Local residents from the Bankside Residents for Appropriate Development (BROAD) had argued that the proposed tower block, at 44 Hopton Street, would cast a shadow over surrounding properties, including Tate Modern. They claimed that the scheme would drastically reduce the value of each of the £300,000 apartments in Bankside Lofts by up to £50,000.
Dismissing the appeal but sympathising with the objectors, Collins J said that the planning inspector who approved the plan had not erred in his approach to the balancing act required by statute.
He said: “It is difficult not to sympathise with the claimants. Those who live in Falcoln Point have had to put up with the disruption of the building of Bankside Lofts and the construction work at Tate Modern. Their amenities will be adversely affected.
“But, in an urban setting, it must be anticipated that development may take place and that high-rise buildings are inevitable, having regard to building costs and the value of city centre land. Further, it is in the public interest that residential developments take place in urban areas if possible. It is clear that the inspector did consider the advantages of the proposed development against the disadvantages to the claimants.
“The obstruction of views for some and any diminution in value would not have affected the position having regard to the inspector’s findings in relation to the desirability of this development.
“The inspector has not erred in his approach to the balancing exercise required by the planning legislation. There is no possibility that he would or should have reached a different conclusion.”
References: EGi Legal News 21/1/04
