Parkview International has released plans to develop the whole site for mixed use, to build a new cultural, entertainment and business centre, and create around 9,000 jobs (see related story).

However, local resident Brian Barnes, of the Battersea Power Station Community Group, told edie that he simply didn’t believe a word of it.

“I don’t know why they’ve built that job centre there, there aren’t going to be any jobs,” he said. “I’m amazed people take all this at face value.”

The community group alleges that Parkview have neither the planning permission nor the money to fully develop the site in the way that the media have reported.

These claims are refuted by both Parkview themselves and the planning authority of Wandsworth Borough Council.

A spokesperson for Wandsworth Borough told edie that all the planning permission was in place and full environmental impact assessments had been made.

“They also have the full support of the community,” he said, dismissing the group as ‘fanatics’.

Richard Tracy, Community Relations Advisor for Parkview International was equally dismissive of the claims.

“We’ve had planning permission through since 1999. Because of the sheer size of the thing – the largest private regeneration project in Europe – we have had to go back with different additions and new points to add, but the permission is still there.”

“Parkview is a large international property developer, and we have financing in place from the Royal Bank of Scotland,” Mr Tracy said. “This group has never subscribed to what we’re doing, but that doesn’t mean we’re not doing it. Why would we spend all this money on plans if we’re not going ahead?”

The developer has also already paid for full remediation of the site from oil and chemical deposits.

However, despite the evidence, Mr Barnes, and the Battersea Power Station Community Group, remain sceptical. “They’ve had over ten years to do this,” he said. “Meanwhile, Tate Modern has been refurbished and receives millions of visitors every year.”

“I’m going to put a bet on with William Hill. This will never happen.”

By David Hopkins

Action inspires action. Stay ahead of the curve with sustainability and energy newsletters from edie

Subscribe