Land Securities’ proposals for a 1m sq ft redevelopment of Arundel Great Court in the Strand, WC2 have been granted full planning consent at appeal.
The REIT wants to develop 151 apartments, a 116-bedroom hotel and 584,000 sq ft of offices in plans drawn up by architects Horden Cherry Lee and Wilkinson Eyre at the Strand block, WC2.
Today’s decision by the planning inspector follows Westminster Council refusing consent in February this year.
Westminster planning officers advised the council to not give consent to the plans because of the impact the development would have on historic views in the area, particularly from the bridges over the River Thames and the 18th century Somerset House.
Recent lettings have secured income until the end of 2012, with the earliest delivery of the scheme not anticipated before 2015.
Colette O’Shea, head of London development at Land Securities, said: “The mixed use scheme will transform the existing site from an uninspiring monolithic office block to a thriving new commercial and residential hub.”
bridget.oconnell@estatesgazette.com
