Counter-terrorism hub at Paddington Green could still make way for tower blocks

By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter

Paddington Green Police Station, once the UK’s HQ for counter-terror cops, could be bulldozed and replaced with huge tower blocks.

Three towers, 39, 24 and 17 storeys in height, could be built next to Edgware Road Tube station, providing 556 homes.

The police station was closed in late 2018 and was occupied for three weeks by a group of squatters from a group called the Green Anti-Capitalist Front in 2020.

Developers Berkeley Homes Ltd in November last year submitted plans to Westminster City council to redevelop the site, but the application was turned down as the tower blocks it suggested were too bulky and would spoil views from Hyde Park and Regent’s Park.

Councillors also thought the tower blocks would harm the setting of Little Venice and the politicians were also worried that the bulky towers would block sunlight from reaching neighbouring homes.

Now the developers have submitted new designs for the towers. The new tower blocks would be taller and thinner than the previously suggested 15, 18 and 32-storey towers.

There would be 556 flats, including 219 affordable homes and more public realm space at the bottom of the buildings.

But again Westminster council officers have asked councillors to object to the new designs, claiming they have not solved the issues with the 2021 scheme.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan is set to look at the plans on March 17, and he has asked Westminster City council for its views on the scheme.

Westminster’s major planning committee is set to discuss the plans on February 28.

Pictured top: An artist’s impression of how the site might look (Picture: Westminster City council)