Hello Campaigners

Although the world is slathering into a summer sun lotion recess, this campaign continues, albeit from a more reclined position.

Last night, I attended a meeting of Wandsworth Council's Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee. Press parties slow down at this time of year, so one has to fill the empty ligging hours between holidays. There was one other member of the public in the gallery. Quite a party.

The committee is an esteemed gathering of studious, hard working folk who care passionately about their local areas. I applaud their efforts. The first hour was taken up by the Cerberus cartel's One Battersea Bridge proposal.

Unbelievably, enthusiasts can already watch a full video of the meeting here. Modern tech', eh. Maybe an episode to assist with a siesta at the Nikki Beach of your choice.

At 43 minutes, you can enjoy seeing me being rebuked by Chair Michael Jubb for daring to speak during the meeting. I merely wanted to add some useful background, following a question from a Councillor Owens as regards the 78 submissions of "Support" for the development. Tedious legwork by a certain individual has proved that most are dunderhead and ill-informed comments, cut 'n pasted in response to online adverts placed by the developer.

More cynical types might call these submissions total bollocks. Although I do not doubt for a second that care worker Mx. (sic) Tariso Ngwena from Coventry totally believes that '45 (35%) affordable homes will help alleviate housing pressures in the borough'.

The meeting included some serious take-downs of the proposal with arguments that are familiar to visitors to this parish. Chair Jubb summarised the proposal as "Utterly objectionable and should never have got to this [a planning application]."

Frances Radcliffe of the Friends of Battersea Park knocked it outta da park with one zinger: "What is the point of a Local Plan, if it is not enforced?". Quite.

I requested to address the committee once discussions were complete, but was - I accept, understandably - shutdown with yet another wave from Chair Jubb's swooping arm. It was a shame because I had something to say that could help focus minds as we move forward.

As I left, I quickly introduced myself and apologised to the committee for interrupting its meeting. I thanked everyone present who may have signed this petition and said that I supported all their work to stop One Battersea Bridge. My l'esprit l'escalier was not shouting a valedictory "Fight! Fight! Fight!"

For the record, the comment I wanted to add is roughly this:

If this wretched tower is to be stopped, then everyone needs to think more strategically, more creatively and way bigger.

Cerberus and its teams of lawyers, architects and planning consultants do not give a flying toss about all the complaints and cerebral criticism. Not. A. Hoot. They saw all this was coming. They do this stuff for a LIVING. It is meat 'n veg'. Read here about its $40bn of property deals in 20 years. 

Cerberus is three moves ahead on this project and it intends to win. If anyone hopes to defeat this beast, they need to think harder and collectively. What comes after all the whining is out of puff? 

Thank you and regards.

RMc