Mick Jagger has won a two-year battle to stop a 29-storey high-rise from being built next to Battersea Bridge on the River Thames in London.
The 82-year-old was joined by other celebrities including Felicity Kendal, Eric Clapton and comedian Harry Hill to oppose the development from going ahead.
Proposals to build 110 luxury flats were dismissed by Wandsworth Council and the Greater London Authority last year, but developers Rockwell Property appealed the decision.
A planning inspector rejected the appeal on Thursday, saying that the project would be detrimental to both the appearance and heritage of the local area.
“I have lived in this area for a long time and I care about what happens to it,” the Rolling Stones musician told the Chelsea Citizen in March.
“If this goes ahead, it could lead to more tall buildings being built … changing this wonderful stretch of the Thames riverside forever.”
Meanwhile, Mr Clapton said that the building would create a “free-for-all for other developers to build towers along the river”.
“These developers don’t give a damn what anyone thinks,” he said. “They are just in it for the money.”
Joanna Gilbert, an inspector appointed by the secretary of state, said: “The proposal would cause harm to townscape character in several identified views from different directions and differing distances… This would have an adverse effect on the character and appearance of the area.”
She added: “[It] 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.”
“The proposal is not exemplary, extraordinary, remarkable or distinctive, just tall. It would not adorn the London skyline and would not form part of a ribbon cluster of tall buildings, but would appear alien and isolated in its very height in this location, harming spatial character.”
Rockwell said in a statement, according to The Times: “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.”
