The Duke of Westminster’s property company has been told to hold fire on a controversial Belgravia housing project which is thought to have put the royal cat among the pigeons.
Grosvenor, which is run on behalf of the Duke, hopes to redevelop five existing buildings around Cundy Street, SW1, as part of plans which reportedly left the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles “saddened”.
But Westminster planners last night deferred their decision on whether to let the project go ahead, saying that although they were “minded” to allow it, Grosvenor should reduce the height of one of the blocks.
Several local societies, 79 local residents, and local MP Nickie Aiken objected to the proposal, saying that the planned buildings were too high and would deprive nearby terraces of sunlight.
Under existing plans, several blocks around Cundy Street will be replaced by 93 affordable homes, including 44 for social rent, senior living accommodation for up to 170 people, and 70 more homes to go on the open market, as well as new amenities and improved green spaces.
The Duchess, according to The Daily Telegraph, privately expressed concerns over the development, which spans more than 200,000 sq ft.
The existing buildings, which are earmarked for demolition, include the flat where she is said to have frequently entertained Prince Charles after Mayfair nights out in the 1970s. The buildings earned the nickname “aristo-flats” in honour of their tenants.
It comes after more than 18 months of controversy over the scheme. Locals objected first to the prospect of being permanently relocated – a proposal which Grosvenor rowed back on – and more recently to the height of the new buildings.
The tallest block will be 48m high, prompting anger among neighbours, including the Belgravia Society. However, Grosvenor has maintained that the amount of light which they will retain is more significant than the amount of light which is lost.
The company also pointed out that all of the affordable homes will be up to 50% larger than existing properties, cheaper to run, and have dedicated communal gardens and play spaces.
When plans were submitted, Fergus Evans, project director at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said: “From the outset we wanted to design a new part of the neighbourhood that would deliver more opportunity in Belgravia. Better homes, more open space, new facilities and a much greener environment.
“There were challenges raised and we know we didn’t get everything right. But that challenge has turned into conversation, which not only improved these proposals but also helped transform how we engage with communities across our business. We’re grateful to all the residents and neighbours who contributed.”
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