Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has refused U+I and the London Fire Brigade’s plans for a £500m development at Albert Embankment, SE1.
The developer had planned 443 homes, a new fire station for the London Fire Brigade and a new home for the London Fire Brigade Museum, with 100,000 sq ft of workspace, in a scheme designed by Pilbrow & Partners architects.
Lambeth Council resolved to grant consent for the plans in December 2019, but Jenrick called the scheme in last June.
The secretary of state has refused the planning consent and request for listed building consent, following the planning inspector recommendations.
Jenrick concluded that the scheme was not in accordance with a number of development plan policies and key principles in respect of heritage and residential amenity.
While the harm to heritage assets, the conservation area and the setting of the Palace of Westminster was considered to be less than substantial, collectively these were given greater weight in the decision.
Loss of daylight and sunlight was also a factor, as was the inclusion of tall buildings in the area, which the secretary of state said was in conflict with the emerging local plan.
U+I’s proposals had included a maximum of 26 storeys. Development would have included restoration of the Grade II listed former London Fire Brigade headquarters and drill tower, as well as 40% affordable housing. The site has been derelict for more than ten years.
A spokesperson for U+I said: “We are incredibly disappointed by this decision and we’ll be considering our next steps together with the London Fire Brigade.”
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