Save London’s South Bank: Grassroots Campaign Launches Legal Battle Against Michael Gove’s approval of ‘The Slab’
To pledge financial support, go to: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-our-south-bank / or https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/save-our-south-bank
SOS Save our South Bank, a grassroots campaign group dedicated to preserving London’s iconic river- walk, has launched a legal challenge against the government's approval of a looming office development known as "The Slab." The group are urgently seeking support for a judicial review to halt the construction and protect the cultural and environmental heritage of the area.
Michael Ball, a local campaigner advocating for sustainable development and affordable housing said: "The 'Slab' development not only threatens the enjoyment of millions walking the South Bank, as well as multiple protected views of national heritage, but also undermines efforts to address our city's housing crisis while needlessly emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2. It is an extraordinary feat of self-harm. As a passionate campaigner for homes, heritage, community and the planet, I stand firmly with SOS Save Our South Bank."
Michael Ball added: “Gove’s decision, following the High Court decision to quash refusal for the demolition of M&S buildings at Oxford St, threatens to render toothless vital policy reducing carbon through the Circular Economy and recycling buildings. Our legal challenge may be the last chance to retrieve this catastrophe”.
With two tall buildings proposed for a prominent site hard up against the river-walk, the development threatens to overshadow the beloved Queen’s Walk and wreck protected views of listed buildings, including St Paul’s Cathedral. SOS Save Our South Bank, consisting of concerned residents and over 6,000 allies, has united to oppose Mitsubishi Estate's plans for nearly 1m sq ft of offices at 72 Upper Ground, the old ITV Studios site along the Thames.
Renowned critics, including Simon Jenkins of The Guardian, Rowan Moore of The Observer, and Richard Morrison of The Times, have condemned the proposed development as an "aggressive eyesore," "a brute of a building," and "a grotesque monstrosity," respectively.
Despite widespread opposition, Lambeth Council and Secretary of State Michael Gove have approved the project, prompting SOS Save Our South Bank to take legal action. The group asserts that Gove's decision is legally flawed and contradicts his recent announcements regarding housing priorities and reducing carbon.
The site is zoned for mixed use including housing, and the existing building could be refurbished to provide around 200 flats plus half a million sq ft of offices. But developers Mitsubishi refused to consider providing housing or re-using the existing buildings for that purpose.
To initiate the legal battle, SOS Save Our South Bank urgently needs to raise £15,000. Jenny O’Neil, chair of SOS, said: “Every contribution, no matter how small, is crucial in the David versus Goliath struggle to protect London's cultural heritage and riverside, and crucial carbon-reducing policies. Donations will enable the campaign to effectively represent its case and halt the destructive project.
“By supporting SOS Save Our South Bank, donors safeguard the area's heritage, protect vital open spaces, and defend London's iconic skyline for future generations. The campaign urges supporters to donate generously and share the cause with their networks.”
To pledge financial support, go to: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/save-our-south-bank / or https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/campaign/save-our-south-bank
For information
The SOS Save Our South Bank Action Group consists of residents and their allies campaigning against Mitsubishi Estate’s ‘Slab’ office scheme designed by Make Architects for 72 Upper Ground, SE1.
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Contact
Jenny O’Neill: saveoursouthbank22@gmail.com
Michael Ball: michael.ball@wcdg.org.uk
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