Unite Students suffered a setback on its controversial Baltic Wharf student housing scheme in Paddington last night, as Westminster City Council threw out revised plans.
The proposed project, which had already been scaled back from 843 to 768 student rooms, would have involved demolishing a Travis Perkins builders’ merchant on Harrow Road, W2, and building a series of blocks ranging from six to 20 storeys.
The 280,000 sq ft Make Architects-designed building would have included 35% affordable student housing. Unite previously said it would have been carbon neutral and included a public towpath and community centre. It also included a new yard for Travis Perkins on the ground and mezzanine levels.
But the scheme, which recorded more than 100 objections, was refused unanimously. Planning officials said it would have a “significant negative impact” on the amenity of residents next door, and “the benefits are not considered to outweigh this harm”.
Westminster councillor Geoff Barraclough, shadow cabinet member for planning, said: “Everyone accepts this site needs redevelopment but, given the residential flats already built close by, this proposal is much too tall.”
A Unite Students spokesperson said the company was “disappointed” with the decision. “We believe a development at Paddington would help to meet considerable, unmet demand for students, while also bringing substantial social and economic benefits to the area. We will continue to work alongside the council and local community as we consider our next steps.”
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