Developers behind the controversial new skyscraper in Paddington say they will reconsider the building’s height following complaints.
Great Western Developments (GWD) says it will go back to the drawing board after its plans to build the 72-storey building were met with anger by campaign groups, residents and local politicians .
It will look again at the proposed height of the building and impact on the local area, it said in a joint statement with Westminster City Council and Sellar Property Group.
Planning application had been submitted by GWD and Sellar before Christmas , but the decision to revise plans mean it will not be considered by Westminster City Council planners at a meeting on March 8.
The joint statement said: “Whilst GWD’s proposal has secured the support of many key stakeholders including Network Rail, Transport for London, St Mary’s Hospital, NHS (London) and the GLA there were concerns amongst local people around the height and impact of the tower element of the scheme on the local area.
“This decision will allow for a further review of elements of the proposed development including its height and Sellar/GWD working closely with the City Council will bring forward an amended scheme that will still deliver all the substantial benefits including the significant investment in infrastructure and social housing.”
Council leader Philippa Roe said: “I am delighted that we have been able to work together with the developer, this is a very positive step and will allow time for us all to bring forward a development that enjoys broader community support and that we jointly believe will deliver enormous benefits to Westminster and London. We remain committed to ensuring that all the benefits of the original scheme are retained in the revised plans.”
She said the project was a major investment in the city and vital to provide an environment where business can thrive, creating new jobs and tackling unemployment, and added: “As the local authority, we will always seek to strike the right balance between supporting successful schemes in Westminster, which will really benefit local people, London and the country for generations to come with the impact that development can have on existing communities.”
And Sellar Property Group/GWD, stated: “We have always believed that successful development is a collaborative process, involving the developer, council and community and look forward to delivering a development in Paddington of which Westminster and its residents can be proud.”
The scheme was part of a regeneration plan for the Paddington Station area, creating a 'gateway' for the station and nearby St Mary’s Hospital. The plans also include further improvements to the Network Rail station, providing a completely new Bakerloo tube station, offices, restaurants, new public piazzas, and residential units.
The tower 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.
Officially known as Paddington Place, it has been given various nicknames from Skinny Shard to the Paddington Pole.
