Wandsworth Council has agreed to sell land it owns as fresh proposals are expected for a new 'technological hub’ in Battersea.

Developers 8-10 IPB UK Limited (IPB) plans to redevelop the site in Ingate Place to create a building of up to 10 storeys for small and medium businesses which aims to encourage start-ups from across London.

The finance and corporate resources overview and scrutiny committee reached the decision on January 17 before it was approved by the executive this week (January 22).

Andy Algar, assistant director of housing and regeneration’s property services at the council, said: “IPB’s proposal does not yet have the benefit of planning permission but they are currently in discussions with the council’s development management officers.

“IPB’s proposed scheme involves the creation of a technological hub to serve as a platform for both local and international SME businesses with a focus on promoting collaborative workspace.

“It is thought the scheme will act as a catalyst for the regeneration of Ingate Place.”

Wandsworth Council owns land which is currently being used as a car park, let out by a third party, and the subsequent income from the sale will go into its general fund.

A planning application was submitted last month to demolish existing building before constructing a new mixed development site with a four-level atrium, co-working units, a publicly accessible café and creating around 580 jobs once completed, according to a planning statement published by Jones Lang LaSalle.

Although the previous application has been withdrawn, IPB is currently in negotiation with the council to put forward fresh plans.

Some people have expressed their concerns over the proposals.

Writing on the previous planning application, one person by the name JJL said: “I find the prospect of a ten-storey skyscraper being built right behind our houses absolutely appalling and wish to formally appeal against this planning application.

“A building of this size would make an enormous change to the rear of our properties where each flat has either a garden or small roof terrace and would tower over them.

“I would also like to know what provision for car parking facilities this new development will have?

“I have a resident’s car permit and it is extremely difficult to find parking near to my flat already, with five or six storeys of workers adding to this, I suspect parking would become impossible.”

Christine Palmer, director of nearby woodcarvers Carvers & Gilders, added the façade of 6-10 Ingate Place 'must be kept' and the decorative brickwork of the site is the "last building of quality" before the railway bridge [near Queenstown Road station].

She said: “It would be foolish and detrimental to demolish it. It is a fine decorative gateway to Ingate Place.

“The internal space that the building occupies should surely offer the developer a unique opportunity to create something of interest and value for the future.”

It is currently unknown when the new application will be submitted.