Local planning chiefs have approved the demolition of a 1980s office block opposite St Paul’s Church, near the Hammersmith Flyover, to make way for a new 14-storey building containing 291 student flats. The decision was made unanimously at this week’s Planning and Development Control Committee meeting of Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
Of the 291 units, 35 per cent will be designated as affordable. The existing eight-storey block, described as “outdated” in planning documents, is currently part-occupied by Notting Hill Genesis but is due to be vacated to allow for the redevelopment.
Outdated building no longer fit for purpose
Consultants at Boyer, acting on behalf of applicant McLaren Property, highlighted the building’s deficiencies in documents filed for the proposed redevelopment. They wrote: “The existing building has a dated, poor quality and unattractive interior and exterior and is not fit for modern office needs. It is currently partly occupied by Notting Hill Genesis but is in need of comprehensive refurbishment, as outlined within the submitted letter from Hanover Green. The building does not relate successfully to the surrounding grain and townscape.”
The site’s redevelopment is seen as an opportunity to regenerate the area and address a pressing need for student accommodation, particularly given the growth of Imperial College. According to council officers, the scheme represents a chance to deliver additional student housing in the borough.
Student housing demand and consultation response
Currently, about 64 per cent of students in the borough rely on houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) rented via the private sector. The new development aims to provide a purpose-built alternative, reducing dependence on such accommodation.
During the public consultation, only three representations were received, two of which were objections. Concerns raised included the scale of the proposed development and the potential noise impact on the surrounding area.
Imperial College nomination agreement
Grant Leggett, Executive Director at Boyer, told committee members that the applicant had engaged with universities including Imperial, which “fully supports” the development of student accommodation on the site. He also highlighted the nomination agreement secured with the university, meaning Imperial will take 51 per cent of the bed spaces, including all of the affordable provision.
Cllr Callum Nimmo, a Hammersmith Broadway ward representative, asked about potential anti-social behaviour (ASB) and pressure on parking spaces. While acknowledging that the development is to be car-free, he noted there may continue to be issues at times such as when students are dropped off at either end of the academic year. An officer responded that mitigations are planned to manage any ASB, and that due to the scheme being car-free there will be limitations on parking in the local area.
The proposal was unanimously approved. McLaren Property was approached for comment.
