Nine Elms is one of the most exciting parts of London at the moment. It is changing rapidly, becoming a place where people want to live because of the modern apartments and fantastic amenities. However, some projects struggle to get off the ground. We want to look at one here that has been in the headlines recently. Then, if you want help with guaranteed rent in Wandsworth, you can speak to us.

A vibrant neighbourhood

Nine Elms was once a busy industrial area. It was previous home to a gasworks, locomotive works, factories, and warehouses. However, there have been dramatic changes in the last few decades. Numerous regeneration projects and redevelopments ensure there is more housing, shops, bars, restaurants, leisure facilities, offices, and more. Additionally, Nine Elms Tube Station provides regular services.

While it is fantastic news that Nine Elms has become a vibrant neighbourhood, it does cause problems. It means more scrutiny on developments. The Council has to think carefully about what the area really needs and the impact on other properties.

New towers

We can see the issue illustrated perfectly with the former commercial site on Battersea Park Road. There have been plans to redevelop the site for a while, dating back to 2015. Proposals by DTV got permission in 2019. They would have built five new blocks, up to 18 storeys tall, creating 307 new homes. They could have been very interesting to investors, especially with services like guaranteed rent in Wandsworth. However, there was no progress.

In 2022, Watkin Jones Group submitted new plans for the site. A revision followed in 2024. The last version is proposing three towers for the site. A 12 storey block would deliver 55 affordable homes. Additionally, 17 and 22 storey buildings would provide 762 student rooms. There would be commercial units and community space on the grounds floors of the buildings.

Wandsworth Council had not made a decision on the plans, leading Watkin Jones Group to appeal in December 2024. Interestingly, three weeks later the local authority then said they would nominally refuse planning permission. It was a surprising decision because council officers had given a recommendation to give approval. Even stranger, because of the appeal, the final decision now rests with the Planning Inspectorate.

One of the criticisms of the current plans is they are not in keeping with the area. Because it is becoming more of a residential neighbourhood, the argument is they want more amenities and homes rather than transient living like student housing. One Labour councillor, Finna Ayres, said it would be better to have two buildings of affordable housing and one tower with 300 student rooms.

It will be interesting to see what happens next here. The Planning Inspectorate will have to make a decision whether to grant permission or refuse it.

Would you like to arrange guaranteed rent in Wandsworth?

Nine Elms and other areas in Wandsworth have become very popular in the last few decades. Investors should definitely consider them if they want assets in vibrant locations with high demand.

If you do decide to invest, we have some exceptional services for you, including portfolio management. We appreciate that investors generally want stable income above all else. We can arrange this with guaranteed rent in Wandsworth. It does away with the risks of voids or tenants not paying their rent.

So, if you want any help or services, please get in touch with us.