{"id":780483,"date":"2025-03-28T07:55:58","date_gmt":"2025-03-28T07:55:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/?p=780483"},"modified":"2025-03-28T08:02:03","modified_gmt":"2025-03-28T08:02:03","slug":"khan-to-rule-on-makes-rejected-paddington-student-housing-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.architectsjournal.co.uk\/news\/khan-to-rule-on-makes-rejected-paddington-student-housing-plans","title":{"rendered":"Khan to rule on Make\u2019s rejected Paddington student housing plans"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a letter to the borough, Khan said the \u2018non-delivery\u2019 of the 605-bed Baltic Wharf scheme \u2013 the latest in a series of high-rise proposals for the plot \u2013 would have a \u2018significant impact\u2019 on the implementation of the London Plan and affect other boroughs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The mayor said he was therefore taking over as local planning authority for the 20-storey scheme and will choose whether to overrule Westminster Council\u2019s January rejection<\/a> following a public hearing in the coming months.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The scheme near Paddington Basin features two buildings linked by a podium, with students beds earmarked for King\u2019s College London students. The plans also provides office space and a new yard for builders\u2019 merchant Travis Perkins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In his letter, sent on Monday (24 March), Khan said: \u2018The proposed development would be of a scale which would provide a significant contribution to the strategic student accommodation requirement identified in the London Plan.<\/p>\n

\u2018In addition, the proposals would contribute towards the delivery of housing, making a positive contribution towards London housing targets. As such, the non-delivery of 605 student bed spaces is considered to impact upon the implementation of the London Plan.<\/p>\n

\u2018The support from a higher education provider with campuses in boroughs other than Westminster demonstrates the potential contribution of the proposed development.\u2019<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

A report published by Greater London Authority planners on Monday said the scheme was \u2018supported in principle\u2019 and recommended Khan rule on it \u2014 but also acknowledged it \u2018does not fully comply\u2019 with London Plan policies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The report said the height of the scheme was supported but that \u2018further consideration is required to elements of the architecture and materiality and student accommodation quality\u2019.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It added that the scheme\u2019s energy statement \u2018does not yet comply\u2019 with policies; its urban greening should be reviewed \u2018to improve quality or quantity\u2019; and that more information was required on circular economy and transport implications.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The mayor\u2019s intervention is the latest twist in a long-running planning battle between Westminster Council and Make, which is working for joint developers Unite Students and Travis Perkins.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make first submitted plans for a 22-storey, 843-bed student housing scheme on the site in summer 2021 before later revising its plans, removing two storeys and 75 beds. Those rejigged proposals were, nevertheless, rejected by Westminster in 2022<\/a>.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The practice came back with its third set of plans for the site next to the Grand Union Canal and Westway flyover last year<\/a>. The latest application included a proposed \u00a33.1million payment towards Westminster\u2019s affordable housing fund, as well as a \u00a3683,000 payment towards employment programmes and \u00a3200,000 for cycle hire facilities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However Westminster councillors said the scheme<\/a> was \u2018not sufficiently different\u2019 and highlighted concerns over its mass and visual impact. They also said the borough of Westminster did not need more student accommodation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Make Architects, Unite Students and Westminster Council have been contacted for comment.<\/p>\n