Two big controversial office schemes are set to land in front of the City of London Corporation’s planning committee next month.
The 2 July meeting is expected to see the committee vote on Perennial Group and Stanhope’s 1 Undershaft, EC3, which could become London’s tallest tower, as well as Freshwater Group’s proposals for Tenter House at 45 Moorfields, EC2.
The 74-storey 1 Undershaft would be built on the existing St Helen’s Building, also known as the Aviva Tower.
The Eric Parry Architects-designed scheme has attracted 16 objections from the public, with one saying: “The current design of this tower is unacceptable. This skyscraper will be the tallest building in the Square Mile and will be seen from miles – even from outside of London.
“This project has a duty to be iconic, and visually appealing to Londoners and visitors alike – something that the current render isn’t.”
Owners of nearby schemes have also objected, with Cheesegrater-owner CC Land saying 1 Undershaft would have “a detrimental impact on occupiers of the eastern half of the Leadenhall Building in terms of overlooking, loss of daylight and loss of views”, and criticising the loss of St Helen’s Square.
Freshwater was granted planning permission in 2020 to redevelop Tenter House as a 19-storey office building. It now wants to extend and redevelop the existing 11-storey building as a 354,455 sq ft, part 14-storey and part 22-storey office building with retail at the ground floor.
The project has had 57 public objections lodged on the City of London Corporation’s planning portal, many from residents of the nearby Barbican, and just one comment in support.
Barbican Quarter Action has voiced concerns over loss of daylight and sunlight as well as a “negative impact on townscape and heritage”.
The Barbican Association has also objected over a loss of daylight to nearby properties.
Neither application has had a planning officers’ report or recommendation published, and the agenda for the 2 July has yet to be confirmed.
The City of London Corporation declined to comment.
Check out planning decisions in the City of London >>
Image © Dbox for Eric Parry Architects, courtesy of Kanda Consulting
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