Proposed church redevelopment would make life "a living hell" for residents

The proposed application is to demolish much of the Old Church in Bedford Hill, Balham, which formally served as a support centre for deaf people, and then redevelop the site into apartments with a separate nursery on the ground floor.

The plans include balconies with residents raising concerns about the impact this will have on the privacy of their properties.

Claire Henshall, who lives in an adjacent street, said: “The balconies on the upper floor of the building will also look directly at my house and garden and will compromise privacy. Particularly in winter when there are no trees to block the view.”

The plans don’t include any additional parking.

Other objections expressed fear about increased traffic, noise pollution during the redevelopment and accusations the apartments’ aesthetic will not be in keeping with other properties on the street.

Jonny Clark, who has also started a petition against the project, said “[The development will] make it hell living here. And for what? Another block of ugly, non-affordable flats...”

The new apartment block will retain the front and rear facade of the existing church.

The planning application is open for comments until August 25 to comment visit: tinyurl.com/balhamchurch.