Despite its height, planning officers say the tower will be in-keeping with the area, pointing to the proximity of the 16-storey Juniper House, the 14-storey Travelodge hotel, and the twelve-storey Gateway Apartments building. It will be part of an existing cluster of tall buildings, the planning team told councillors, and would only lead to a minor loss of open skyline. Though councillors ultimately agreed the public benefits outweighed any harm to the town centre, six formal objections were received ahead of the meeting.
A major redevelopment which will see more than 2,500 homes built on a former gasworks site in west London has been approved. Kensal Canalside Opportunity Area will see 500 classed as affordable with 342 at social rent and 158 at an intermediate rate. Although below Kensington and Chelsea Council's 35.7% target, officers said it was the maximum viable level.
In a statement, daa said the approval, issued within the statutory 18-week timeframe, provides "much-needed clarity and certainty" within the expected period for such determinations. The airport operator also described the development as a key investment in community facilities and engagement.