Wandsworth Roundabout advertising tower faces replacement after 133 objections
Wildstone Estates proposes tree-like design with four digital screens, drawing resident criticism over aesthetics and driver distraction
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Residents of Wandsworth have raised 133 objections to plans that would replace the distinctive advertising structure at Wandsworth Roundabout. The current installation, in place since 1995, is set to be removed under proposals submitted by leaseholders Wildstone Estates. Their application to Wandsworth Council outlines a new design described as a "sculptural, nature-inspired landmark" featuring four digital advertising screens.
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The objections, submitted through Wandsworth Council’s planning portal, include concerns over the visual impact of the new structure. Residents have described the proposed design as an "eyesore" and a "waste of money", as reported by Londonist. The screens, which would be larger than the existing ones, have also been flagged as a potential distraction for drivers navigating the busy roundabout.
Wildstone Estates’ application presents the new structure as an improvement on the current design, which has been likened to the mechanical sphere from Stanley Kubrick’s *A Clockwork Orange*. The film used the underpasses beneath the roundabout as a filming location in 1971. The company’s proposal, however, has not convinced local residents, who argue that the tree-like design appears ungainly from certain angles.
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Wandsworth Council has not yet scheduled a date for determining the application. The existing structure, while not listed or protected, has become a recognisable feature of the roundabout over the past three decades. Its removal would follow the recent dismantling of a similar advertising installation at Old Street roundabout, raising broader questions about the preservation of 1990s urban architecture.
The planning documents for the application are available on Wandsworth Council’s website. Residents who wish to comment on the proposal can do so before the council reaches a decision. It is unclear whether the objections submitted so far will prompt revisions to the design or if the application will proceed as currently drafted.
Questions this report answers
+What is being proposed for Wandsworth Roundabout?
Wildstone Estates has applied to replace the existing advertising structure with a tree-like design featuring four digital screens. The proposal aims to create a "sculptural, nature-inspired landmark" but has faced criticism from residents over its appearance and potential impact on drivers.
+How many objections have been raised to the plans?
Wandsworth Council has received 133 objections to the planning application. Residents have described the proposed design as an eyesore and raised concerns about increased driver distraction due to the larger advertising screens.
+When will Wandsworth Council decide on the application?
The council has not yet set a date for determining the application. Residents can still submit comments through the council’s planning portal before a decision is made, though it is unclear if this will influence the outcome.
+Why is the current structure at Wandsworth Roundabout significant?
The existing structure, installed in 1995, has become a local landmark. Its design has been compared to the mechanical sphere in *A Clockwork Orange*, a film that used the roundabout’s underpasses as a filming location. Its removal would follow the loss of a similar structure at Old Street roundabout.
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