Opposition councillors in Westminster are warning of problems with the new ‘skinny shard’ development in Paddington.

The Labour group say many residents are concerned about the height of the proposed 72-storey building and its impact on the surrounding area.

And according to the Independent newspaper Heritage England have made it clear that they have “very serious concerns indeed” about the proposed project.

Great Western Developments and Sellar Property Group announced on December 14 that the planning application for the new ‘skinny shard’ in Paddington had been formally submitted .

It would be built by the same team behind the Shard at London Bridge, on the old Royal Mail sorting office site on London Road next to Paddington Station, and stand 254-metre tall.

The proposals will contain up to 349 new homes, over 100,000 sq ft of office space and 50,000 sq ft of retail and leisure facilities.

The Labour group says the scheme has the potential to dramatically regenerate the area around Paddington Station , providing new job opportunities and public realm benefits, but has a number of significant problems, not least the currently proposed lack of affordable housing.

It says the development is likely to have a significant impact on traffic and local public transport that must be fully understood before approval is given.

It also says work must not impede the work at St Mary’s Hospital or its future development needs, and is calling on the applicants to work collaboratively with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust to ensure any new development benefits the hospital and its patients.

Westminster Labour group leader Cllr Adam Hug said: “This project will have a huge potential impact on Paddington and the surrounding area so it is imperative that Westminster Council takes its time to ensure everyone has a chance to have an informed say on the proposals.

"The scheme must not plough ahead unless everyone is confident it delivers the best deal possible for Paddington residents and businesses.

“At the moment Labour councillors are deeply concerned that the proposals do not contain any onsite affordable housing, despite planning policy requiring 30% affordable housing provision.

"The developers must urgently put forward clear plans for a substantial amount of new social and genuinely affordable housing in the local area if the scheme is to truly benefit the community.”