GLA overturns Wandsworth’s rejection of Tooting hospital redevelopment

The Greater London Authority has overturned Wandsworth Council’s refusal of a 449-home scheme on the site of the Springfield Hospital in Tooting, SW17. The plans, filed by BDW Trading and Step Springfield Village, represent the final phase of redeveloping the land around the hospital. Wandsworth Council rejected the plans in March this year, with councillors raising concerns about development on metropolitan open land and added pressure on the neighbourhood’s roads. However, deputy mayor for planning Jules Pipe overturned the decision yesterday, citing London’s “urgent need” for affordable housing. The scheme includes demolishing existing buildings to make way for four apartment blocks ranging from three to five storeys, nine three-storey townhouses, 48 car-parking spaces and 817 cycle spaces. Of the homes, 50% will be affordable housing. The scheme forms part of South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust’s plans to redevelop and build new mental health facilities in the area. Two new mental health units at the centre of the scheme are already open, along with the first and largest part of Springfield Park. A spokesperson for South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust and Barratt London said: “This is an important milestone as we work together to convert derelict NHS estate into 449 new and affordable homes for Wandsworth. “Once final approval is received, this housing development will become part of our vibrant new Springfield Village community. This includes a new 32-acre public park, shops, cafés, family play areas, sensory gardens and an amphitheatre, alongside Springfield Hospital.  “As well as providing much-needed affordable housing, the planned development will support our local economy by providing hundreds of construction jobs, as well as a contribution in the region of £9m for new community projects through the community infrastructure levy and s106 obligations that have been secured. “This decision also means so much to the NHS and our patients, carers and staff, as it unlocks vital funding to support the £110m redevelopment of Tolworth Hospital. Pending final approval and government sign-off, works will begin to replace ageing and unused hospital buildings with state-of-the art mental health facilities to support the 1.2m people served by South West London and St George’s.”