The leader of Merton Council has said the YMCA’s plan to build a 24-storey building in Wimbledon town centre is a "no goer" and would not be supported by the council.
The YMCA unveiled proposals for a 24-storey tower as part of plans to redevelop its Wimbledon site on The Broadway in October.
The £15m vision has been designed by renowned architect Lord Richard Rogers and features a collection of eight high rise buildings, the tallest rising to 24-storeys, comprising 100 hostel units and 140 residential flats which will help fund the project.
At the centre of the development is an open public plaza with green space, restaurants and cafes and a 'village hall' which will be open to the public and could host exhibitions, leisure activities and concerts.
But Councillor Stephen Alambritis said the plan was a "no goer" and that the council would not engage in anything as high as 24 storeys as it was not within their permitted planning policy.
He said: "I think where they are at with eight to 10 storeys is fine.
"But there’s is no way that we would engage in anything as high as 24 storeys.
"We would urge them to look sideways and engage with their neighbours so that they go sideways rather than up.
He added: "The 24 story plan was a complete shock to all of us.
"YMCA and Wimbledon go together.
"I’m always encouraged by organisations in the borough who want to go big.
"But it’s unwise for them to go so high."
Residents of South Park Road have already rallied against the plans promising to campaign against the development which they have said is "completely unnecessary and incongruous with the local area".
Merton's Conservative councillors have started a 'stop the tower' campaign.
The YMCA have said this is the first stage in an ongoing consultation process and that no final decisions have been made.
Residents can view and comment on the plans at ymca-hereforgood.co.uk
YMCA development plans include:
• 100 hostel units
• 140 residential flats
• Community plaza with cafes and restaurants
• Community ‘village hall’
• 80 parking spaces - 70 off street spaces for residents, 10 for the YMCA
• Basement parking for 80 residential cars
• Restaurants and shops at ground level of YMCA building
• Expanded health, fitness and wellbeing facilities.
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