Clockwork Orange landmark replacement rejected

Controversial plans to replace an "iconic" south London landmark above an underpass, which featured in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange, have been rejected.

The big circular advertising structure at the centre of Wandsworth Roundabout has become a local landmark since its installation in 1995.

Plans for a new timber tree-inspired structure, which Wandsworth Council said would be a "similar scale" and provide a "focal point to the roundabout", had been recommended for approval. However, the scheme had been met with criticism from residents, who said it would be a "waste of money".

Councillors rejected the planning application on Thursday after split opinions on the proposals.

Advertising specialists Wildstone Estates put forward the proposal in a bid to increase revenue generation at the site, after acquiring the structure last year under a long lease with Transport for London (TfL).

The new roughly 25m-tall structure would have had four advertising boards, like the original, but slightly bigger.

In response to the plans on the council's website, one person said: "I strongly object to the new structure. The current one is iconic.

"The new design is garish, will not age well design or materials-wise, and also a complete waste of money."

Another said the project "represents money that could be much better spent on improvements that genuinely benefit local residents."

Planning documents said: "The redesign of Wandsworth Roundabout is an opportunity to rethink a vital layer of London's advertising infrastructure, and redefine how such structures can enrich their surroundings."

Wildstone and Tate + Co have been contacted for comment.

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