Student housing developer Unite plans to construct a 20-storey student accommodation block on the site of a Travis Perkins builders’ merchant at Baltic Wharf in Paddington Basin. Reports Contract Journal
The proposal includes a new canal-side path along the Grand Union Canal, along with a redesigned space for Travis Perkins at the ground and lower levels of 149 Harrow Road.
However, councillors from both Labour and the Conservative parties in Westminster City have joined forces to oppose the development, arguing that it is “excessive” and would create an undesirable “canyon” effect.
In response, Mayor Sadiq Khan has decided to intervene and take control of the planning process.
In a letter to Westminster’s Labour-led council, Khan stated that the scheme would contribute positively to London’s housing targets. He also warned that failing to deliver 605 student bed spaces would negatively impact the implementation of the London Plan.
According to the plan, at least 3,500 new student bed spaces need to be created annually to meet demand across the city.
City Hall will now take over the application process, with a public hearing scheduled in the coming months to determine whether the council’s decision will be upheld or overturned.
