British Land is set to have plans for a 21-storey office tower at its Paddington Central campus rejected when they come before City of Westminster Council next week.
The council’s planning applications sub-committee has been recommended to reject updated plans for 5 Kingdom Street, W2, on the grounds that it would “harm the character and appearance” of the surrounding area.
The building’s appearance and impact on nearby residents and heritage assets were singled out for criticism. If the committee refuses permission, the application will be referred to London mayor Sadiq Khan.
British Land revealed fresh plans for the tower in May, describing the building as “the final piece” of its Paddington campus.
Permission has already been granted for a 13-storey building on the site. The updated plans, designed by architect Allies and Morrison, are predominantly office space, with 87,000 sq ft of community, retail and leisure space in a former Crossrail works site below street level.
The council’s report on the development acknowledged that British Land has offered “a range of benefits” to offset harm to the surrounding area, including allowing local community groups to book space in building for free; the provision of affordable workspace; a £50,000 small business fund for local start-ups; and investment in local infrastructure.
However, the council added that the building does not adhere to the Westminster City Plan, noting: “It is not considered these benefits outweigh the less than substantial harm caused by the development and the application is therefore considered unacceptable.”
British Land declined to comment. The council’s planning committee meeting will take place on 7 January.
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