Wandsworth Council is being urged to act over the deteriorating state of Furzedown Lodge, a listed building that has been vandalised, boarded up and reportedly left without heating.
The building’s condition has been a cause for concern among residents and heritage groups. At a meeting of the Conservation and Heritage Advisory Committee, concerns were raised about vandalism, slipped tiles and fractured masonry at the property, which has reportedly been vacant. It was boarded up after its glazing and glazing bars were smashed.
One committee member said discussions about the building’s condition began in the summer of 2023, and it has continued to deteriorate since. Concerns were also raised about the lack of heating, potential water ingress and ongoing vandalism.
Officers confirmed the council has powers to use planning enforcement to oblige the owner to carry out repairs to prevent further deterioration, though these powers have not yet been exercised. The council can consider using them going forward.
Officers have provided pre-application advice to the applicant and are awaiting a formal application. Asked about monitoring the building’s condition, they said that as the property is leased, they are in contact with the relevant departments and local staff who can check the site regularly.
Officers acknowledged the significant concern from residents and said they would seek to monitor the building's condition in the coming days. They also offered to provide an update via email to committee members before the next meeting in January, given the time gap.
It was suggested that a condition survey could be undertaken by officers. Officers in the conservation and urban design team are qualified to conduct condition surveys, and the council can undertake a condition survey themselves. While the building is not currently on the heritage at risk register, Historic England is involved in discussions about its inclusion. Access to the building for an internal survey would be required through the current leaseholder.
The current leaseholder of Furzedown Lodge is a business that has taken over the lease. The leaseholder is responsible for the maintenance and required works to the building.
Members of the committee expressed a desire for a timetable of updates and potentially a presentation on the building's state at the next meeting, emphasising the urgency felt by local residents.
