By Adrian Zorzut, Local Democracy Reporter
A proposal to build a new 20-storey tower to house King’s College London students in Paddington is expected to be given the green light despite strong objections from residents and councillors.
An application before Westminster City council shows Travis Perkins and student accommodation provider Unite Group Plc want to turn the site, which currently houses a Travis Perkins store, into a 605-bedroom student dorm and community space.
The proposal includes a new canal-side path along the Grand Union Canal and a revamped space for Travis Perkins at the ground and lower level at 149 Harrow Road. But the development, which will need Sadiq Khan’s approval, has been met with resistance by residents and local councillors.
Labour and Tory councillors from Westminster City have joined forces to oppose the scheme, claiming it is “excessive” and would create a “canyon” effect for neighbouring cafes, restaurants and barges who they said would be dwarfed by the 20-storey structure.
They also expressed concern about the amount of affordable rooms being offered and anti-social behaviour.
Some 108 objections were also submitted by residents who said they are concerned the giant structure, which is expected to consist of a 12-storey tower and a 20-storey building, would lead to a loss of daylight and “overwhelm” local services with an influx of students.
But the applicant said they had already scaled down plans for a 800+ bedroom development following consultation with local stakeholders.
They also said the design reduces the impact on surrounding views and is “sympathetic” to residents’ concerns about access to daylight. They added the site entrance had been relocated to Harrow Road upon feedback from the Met Police while a second entrance along the canal would be “appropriately managed”.
The Travis Perkins store on Harrow Road is expected to be knocked down to make way for student accommodation (Picture: Make/Unite Students/Travis Perkins/WWC)