Plans to build a 32 storey skyscraper are rejected as they could spoil skyline
By Jacob Phillips, local democracy reporter
Plans to build a 32 storey skyscraper in Central London have been rejected as they could spoil some of the capital’s much loved views.
Berkeley Homes had hoped to build three towers on the site of Paddington Green police station as part of the West End Gate project in Little Venice.
But council planning bosses voted five to one to reject the application over concerns the height of the building would impact protected views of Hyde Park, Regent’s Park and Primrose Hill.
Berkeley Homes want to build an 18 storey tower and a 15 storey tower next to the central skyscraper tower.
The site hoped to boast 556 flats and 6,170 square metres of retail and office floor space.
But concerns had been raised about the impact the 32 storey tower would have on heritage assets in the area including conservation areas in Paddington Green, Bayswater and Maida Vale.
Berkeley Homes will therefore not be able to complete the full West End Gate project unless the London Mayor’s office allows their application.
Homes in the project have been priced between £950,000 and £2.6 million.
They include a range of properties from one-bedroom apartments to penthouses in a 30 storey tower block.
Berkley Homes reduced the height of the main new proposed tower from 39 storeys to 32 storeys in the hope it would pass its application but councillors believed the two large towers would have too significant an impact on the surrounding area.
The Royal Parks previously objected to the building of the proposed buildings as it could spoil the view from Primrose Hill and could have an impact on people visiting the park.
The Maida Vale Society had also objected to the buildings being built as it would spoil skyline views of Regents Park and Primrose Hill.
Paddington Green police station closed in late 2018.
In February 2020, the site was occupied for three weeks by squatters from a group called the Green Anti-Capitalist Front, reports The Guardian.
The proposals will now be taken to the London Mayor’s office who will have the final say on whether the towers should be built.