London Square says there should be no concerns about the wind effects of the proposed tower block, which may be as high as 18 storeys.
The developers were responding to a comment posted on this website by a Lee resident Tony Branton. Mr Branton, a retired architect, asked:
“Given the heights and close proximity of buildings in this high-density development, have modelling studies, including wind tunnel and fluid dynamics testing, been undertaken to determine the micro climate that will be created in high wind conditions? External high winds passing through the completed development and in between the buildings will be accelerated. This can create difficult conditions at street level due to the ‘downdraught effect’ and ‘channelling effect’ the new buildings are likely to create in windy conditions.
The higher the buildings are the worse this wind acceleration will be. The new residential tower will increase these effects particularly given its exposed location at the north west corner of the site development. Lee residents who have experienced accelerated high winds at street level at that corner, with the 8 storey existing office tower currently located there, should be aware that these are likely to increase. The more so with the latest proposal to increase the height of the residential tower to 18 storeys.
Predicted climate change is expected to lead to increased wind speeds in London, particularly during winter. The UK Climate Projections report (UKCP18) suggests that winter wind speeds will increase in the second half of the 21st century, and the frequency of winter storms will also increase. This is well within the expected lifespan of the proposed development.”
London Square has subsequently confirmed that the original planning submission was supported by a Wind Microclimate Assessment, which was included as part of the original Environmental Statement. The report, which you can read in full here, says:
“Following the introduction of the proposed development, wind conditions are predicted to meet the criteria for pedestrian safety and to be suitable, in terms of comfort, for existing and proposed uses.”
London Square says it will provide an updated report when it applies to Lewisham Council to increase the height of the tower to 18 storeys.