Tate viewing platform lose battle with luxury flats

In a battle that has been going on for years the luxury property owners have won, shocked much?

The case involved five owners of four flats in the Neo Bankside development on the South Bank taking action against the Tate over the estimated 500,000 visitors a year looking into their homes from the viewing platform 34 metres away.

The platform, which opened in 2016, gives a great view of the city as well as being able to look into their glass-fronted flats.

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The platform opened to the public in 2016, four years after the flats were completed.

So maybe you feel a tad sorry for the flat owners?

Well, the plans for the viewing platform were granted permission in…2007!

Tate Modern’s planning approval 2007 – there was always going to be a public terrace at the top (last sentence) https://t.co/ew2rHwkyZs
— Edward Clarke (@edwardclarke) February 1, 2023

Reactions

It's a bit like when people buy a flat near a nightclub, then get it shut down because they can hear it.
— Franannigans Davies Ultra Remainer (@FranannigansD) February 1, 2023

Or by airports! Cheaper because of location, then shaking their fists at the planes and expecting them to fly elsewhere.
— Gráinne (@grainneisbusy) February 1, 2023

Its quite normal to hang nets in windows if you want privacy. Blinds are another option popular with mere mortals. https://t.co/YdGjSGpEuE
— Timothy Godfrey (@timothygodfrey) February 1, 2023

Rich owners of flats built in glass to maximise light and view on the city (including the Tate – a largely brick building) are concerned if the city sees them. #tatemodern viewing platform invades privacy of flats, supreme court rules https://t.co/Y756reoSrr
— Nando Sigona (@nandosigona) February 1, 2023

Wealthy residents of the glass walled Neo apartments on Bankside have won a Supreme court ruling on whether the Tate Modern viewing platform invades their privacy.

But, the apartments' website clearly shows how the Neo millionaires invade a lot of people's privacy themselves pic.twitter.com/m2WFSf8L2E
— Jon Harding (@_i0n) February 1, 2023

This is a perverse decision by the Supreme Court. The Tate Modern’s viewing platforms provide millions with great views of the Thames and surrounding areas. If parts are to be cordoned off to satisfy a handful of luxury flat owners who don’t want to buy curtains that’s wrong. https://t.co/TIrfSBUQZM
— david white (@davidwhite020) February 1, 2023

“Tate Modern viewing platform invades privacy of flats, supreme court rules.” But judges say that this does not set a precedent for other people to claim similar invasion of privacy. Only if you are very very rich can you claim the privilege of not being overlooked it seems.
— Nicholas Till (@nicholas_till) February 1, 2023

Flat owners and particularly those with more glass than solid walls have a conundrum to consider. Do l want fantastic views but also can l choose not to be looked at . Don't complain about viewing when you are in the view.

via https://t.co/Gm0YhMtTyw https://t.co/bcJp4u7v6b
— Simon_2021 PhD 💎 (@DrSpock_PhD) February 1, 2023

Tags: Tate Modern