Secretary of State calls in 'The Slab'

Following months of campaigning to #StopTheSlab, a petition with over 4,680 signatures and significant media coverage, local voices have finally been heard. 

Our Coin Street colleagues from across the organisation have been working tirelessly alongside our residents and neighbours in opposing the proposed redevelopment of the former ITV studios at 72 Upper Ground. 

The current plans are excessive, overbearing and overly dominant, damaging the conservation area and casting Coin Street housing co-operatives, the riverside walkway and public spaces such as Bernie Spain Gardens into shadow. The South Bank is a vibrant hub of culture and heritage in London, attracting millions of visitors every year. We must ensure it stays that way. Read our full list of concerns here. 

Local campaigners welcome the intervention of Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, Rt. Hon Greg Clark MP who has used his powers to call in a planning application for ‘The Slab’, a proposed re-development of the former ITV Studios, 72 Upper Ground on London’s South Bank.

The Secretary of State said that he wants a public inquiry to look in particular at:

a) is the proposal in accordance with statutory development plans;

b) the extent to which the proposed development (including its scale and massing) is consistent with the Government policies for conserving and enhancing the historic environment, in respect of designated heritage assets;

c) any other matters the Inspector considers relevant.

His action follows Lambeth Council support of the proposals in March 2022 and the London Mayor’s decision last week not to intervene.

Greg Clark's call in followed a campaign with support from across the political spectrum, including those living and working locally, Londoners, and others who care about our city.

This was the ambition of the campaign from the start. It was a great team effort, with many people involved across Coin Street. Together with our residents and local partners including Waterloo Community Development Group, National Theatre, Historic England and Twentieth Century Society, our community action ensures that we come together to make the change we want to see in our neighbourhood.

The 72 Upper Ground plans may have been 'called in' but the campaign will continue to ensure that local voices are heard in the public inquiry. 

Together we can #StopTheSlab... watch this space!