Plans to construct Battersea’s tallest tower spark objections from aviation and the local community
A controversial proposal to erect a 35-storey residential tower beside London’s only licensed heliport in Battersea has triggered significant safety concerns and objections.
The scheme, currently under review by Wandsworth Council, has drawn criticism from London Heliport, which warns the development could pose serious risks to flight operations and public safety.
Heliport Warns of Aviation Hazards
The proposed high-rise, submitted by Heliport London Ltd, includes plans for 143 residential units overlooking the River Thames, along with office space, a gym, and play areas on the lower levels. However, the close proximity of the skyscraper to the heliport has prompted a strong response from heliport management.
In a formal letter to Wandsworth Council, William Curtis, Managing Director of London Heliport (also known as Battersea Heliport), issued a “holding objection” against the project. He highlighted numerous technical and operational risks, particularly those linked to air safety and the potential for foreign object debris (FOD) — items that could interfere with helicopter engines or flight paths.
“Such a development proposal, so close to an operational heliport in the middle of a capital city, presents unique, immediate and obvious considerations,” Mr Curtis wrote. “The interests of flight safety and the safety of those in nearby buildings must be thoroughly evaluated before any decision is made.”
The heliport supports vital services in the capital, including emergency response operations for the London Ambulance Service, Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade, RNLI, and Coastguard. Management has stressed the need for detailed technical, legal, and planning analysis before council approval is granted.
Local Opposition Mounts
Public sentiment has echoed the heliport’s concerns. As of now, the council’s planning portal lists 53 objections from residents. Critics cite worries over the building’s excessive height, its impact on heliport operations, and increased traffic in the area. In contrast, only five responses have been submitted in support of the development.
If approved, the tower would replace the existing five-storey Heliport House and two adjacent industrial units on Lombard Road, making it the tallest structure in Battersea.
Interestingly, this is not the first time high-rise plans have been proposed for the site. In 2014, Wandsworth Council approved an application to add a 15-storey extension to Heliport House. However, the project was never realised.
Unlike the previous plan, which did not include affordable housing, the new proposal allocates 51 of the 143 flats as affordable homes.
Planning documents submitted by the developers argue that the tower is in line with both local and citywide housing strategies. The site is classified as brownfield land, and the developers claim the design would enhance the local skyline while offering meaningful public benefits.
“The scheme would deliver an iconic, elegant structure with minimal visual or environmental impact,” the planning statement asserts. “Its scale is necessary to deliver the full extent of these benefits, which would not be viable in a smaller development.”
Wandsworth Council has yet to make a final decision on the application. A more detailed objection from London Heliport is expected in due course. The planning agent representing the application has been contacted for further comment.
As the debate continues, the tension between urban development and operational safety remains at the forefront of this highly scrutinised proposal.
