Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Felicity Kendal get satisfaction as celebs win two-year planning battle to stop 29-storey tower ruining their view of the Thames

Published: 18:49, 15 May 2026 | Updated: 18:57, 15 May 2026 Sir Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton and Felicity Kendal have won a two-year planning battle to stop a 29-storey tower being built which would have ruined their view of the Thames. The 100m tall tower was set to be built next to Battersea Bridge, in southwest London, offering residents a breathtaking panorama of the London skyline.  However, the domineering apartment block - which would have been almost as tall as neighbouring Battersea Power Station - sparked outrage amongst residents north of the river in Chelsea including some of the famous faces who call the affluent area home. Including none other than Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger - who moved to Chelsea with bandmates Brian Jones and Keith Richards in the early 1960s - who claimed the tower made 'no sense' and was 'totally wrong on every level'.  The 82-year-old singer said: '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.' Meanwhile, Eric Clapton was concerned that if the plans were approved it could lead to a 'free-for-all' of other developments being built in the area. 'These developers don't give a damn what anyone thinks. They are just in it for the money,' the 81-year-old said.  In 2024, architecture firm Farrells and luxury property developer Rockwell applied for permission to demolish the six-storey Glassmill office block on Battersea Bridge Road next to the River Thames and build the tower in its place.  Rolling Stones' frontman Mick Jagger was among the angry resident who objected to the  plans claiming the tower made 'no sense' and was 'totally wrong on every level' Pictured: what the 100m tall tower in Battersea would have looked like. The gargantuan apartment block was set to be built next to Battersea Bridge, in southwest London , offering residents a breathtaking panorama of the London skyline Rockwell had initially planned to build a 34-storey tower with 142 flats but that was later revised down to 110 flats including 54 affordable homes. Despite this, Wandsworth Council rejected the plan, claiming its size was excessive, would spoil the skyline and 'devastate' neighbours' lives. Although Rockwell appealed the decision, The Times has revealed, after an eight-day public hearing a planning inspector has sided with the celebrities and council. In the ruling Joanna Gilbert said the tower would have 'adverse effects on the character and appearance of the local area' and 'be overbearing'. The inspector said: '[The tower] would be taller and bulkier than other existing buildings, rendering it highly noticeable. The proposal would cause a dramatic change to the skyline in views along this part of the [Thames] embankment. Overall, this change would be detrimental.' She added that due to its height in its location the building would appear 'alien and isolated... harming spatial character'.  The initial campaign to stop the construction of the flats was launched by residents two years ago, arguing the gargantuan high-rise would 'tower over' their homes. A petition under the banner STOP One Battersea Bridge (SOBB) on Change.org amassed almost 5,000 signatures, including from stars such as Jagger, Clapton, actress Felicity Kendal, TV presenter Anthea Turner and comedian Harry Hill. Eric Clapton was concerned that if the plans were approved it could lead to a 'free-for-all' of other developments being built in the area Actress Felicity Kendal is another famous face who voiced opposition to the apartment blocks Kendal, 77, who has lived in Chelsea since 1991, previously asked Wandsworth council in dismay: 'Who on earth would think that building such a massive tower by this bridge was a good idea?'  Battersea's local Labour MP Marsha de Cordova also spoke out against the scheme.   In a statement, Rockwell said: 'We are obviously disappointed with the decision as we firmly believe in this regeneration project. We wanted to see it delivered and made a number of changes to the scheme following feedback from the public. 'We did not compromise on quality, using the world-renowned architects, Farrells, so it is disappointing the inspector did not share our view that this would be a great addition to London's skyline.' No comments have so far been submitted. 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