Rock legend Mick Jagger has won a two-year planning war to block a towering 29-storey skyscraper slated for his neighbourhood.
Developers Rockwell wanted to build the massive 100m tower next to Battersea Bridge on the southern bank of the River Thames, The Sun reports.
The mega project, named One Battersea Bridge, would have crammed 110 flats into the site.
This included 54 affordable homes that have now been completely axed alongside underground parking and commercial spaces.
The tower would have stood as high as the iconic chimneys at the nearby Battersea Power Station.
Rockwell argued the project tackled an urgent need for high-quality housing in London.
But a luxury enclave of local millionaires and celebrities raised furious concerns that the tall tower block would loom over their properties.
Following an intensive eight-day public planning inquiry, a government planning inspector sided with the wealthy residents.
The inspector concluded the development would have overbearing and adverse effects on the character and appearance of the local area.
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An artist’s impression of the One Battersea Bridge development. Picture: Wandsworth Council
Mick Jagger slammed the proposed development. Picture: Getty
Jagger was joined in his fierce opposition by actress Felicity Kendal, guitarist Eric Clapton, TV presenter Anthea Turner, comedian Harry Hill, and former BP chief executive Lord Browne of Madingley.
Kendal welcomed the official rejection of the high-rise plan.
“I am so happy that this tower has been refused,” Kendal said.
“The entire plan was ridiculous and would have ruined this part of the riverside forever.
“We must all be prepared to take a stand and fight to protect special areas from these high rise blocks that are little more than investment opportunities for big property companies who do not give a damn about communities or where they put their developments.
“Congratulations to all the campaigners who fought so hard to stop it. What a huge relief.”
Jagger, who moved to the elite suburb of Chelsea in the early 1960s with Rolling Stones bandmates Brian Jones and Keith Richards, previously stated the development was totally wrong on every level.
“Another high tower in Battersea and Chelsea makes no sense,” Jagger said in a statement.
“I have lived in this area for a long time and I care about what happens to it. If this goes ahead, it could lead to more tall buildings being built, changing this wonderful stretch of the Thames riverside forever.”
Local resident Anthea Turner was also among those opposing the plans. Picture: Getty
TV funny man Harry Hill was among 5,000 people to have signed the petition. Picture: Getty
Other high-profile opponents of the scheme included Historic England, the Chelsea Society, the Battersea Society, and local MP Marsha de Cordova.
A popular petition named Stop One Battersea Bridge amassed thousands of signatures from locals and celebrities.
The petition claimed the tower would destroy a precious, historical riverside vista just to line the pockets of a super-rich company.
Rob McGibbon, the founder of the petition and editor of The Chelsea Citizen, said he was relieved and delighted after the success of his long campaign.
“This is a decision for common sense and I applaud the Inspector’s clarity and wisdom,” Mr McGibbon said.
“This development was totally wrong for the area in every conceivable way. It was plain to see that the design and scale of it had more flaws than floors.
“Rockwell and its directors showed complete disdain for residents and the democratic planning process throughout this lengthy and expensive application.
“Their attitude was unnecessary and regrettable. This has been a difficult and exhausting campaign, but at last we have the right outcome.
“People power has won through and it is proof that it is possible for communities to fight off rapacious property developers when they stand together.”
Rock legend Eric Clapton. Picture: Getty
Rockwell originally planned an even larger 34-storey building with 142 flats before revising the design down to 110.
Plans submitted in April 2024 were initially rejected by the London Borough of Wandsworth.
The local council ruled the height and scale were excessive, would spoil the skyline, and would devastate the lives of neighbours.
Council officials also determined the high-rise would only make a modest contribution to the local housing supply. The Greater London Authority fully backed the council’s initial rejection.
Rockwell subsequently appealed to the Planning Inspectorate, triggering the eight-day public inquiry.
In her final report, the planning inspector stated the proposal would cause a dramatic and detrimental change to the skyline.
“The proposal would cause harm to townscape character in several identified views from different directions and differing distances,” the report stated.
“It would be taller and bulkier than other existing buildings, rendering it highly noticeable.
Overall, this change would be detrimental.”
The plan consisted of a 29-storey complex, including affordable accommodation. Picture: Wandsworth Council
However, the inspector noted that the affordable housing element of the rejected plans carried substantial weight.
Kensington and Chelsea Council Leader Elizabeth Campbell said the local government raised strong objections because the tower threatened historic conservation areas.
“I am delighted that the planning inspectorate accepted our concerns,” Campbell said.
“I especially want to pay tribute to The Chelsea Citizen and to the residents who campaigned with such determination on an issue they care deeply about. This shows the best of local democracy.”
Parts of this story first appeared in The Sun and was republished with permission.
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