London office block approved despite concern over 'harm' to Westminster Abbey

A 13-storey office block containing shops and restaurants has been given the go ahead despite concerns about its impact on parts of the historic Westminster Abbey.

Under the major redevelopment scheme – reportedly due to cost £600million — two existing buildings at 10 Victoria Street will be flattened to make way for office, retail and cycle-park space.

Two post-war office blocks, situated only a short walk from Westminster Abbey, a 1,000-year-old Christian site, will be demolished to make way for the development.

A report to the sub-committee said that the development would cause "less than substantial harm" to the setting of neighbouring Grade I Great Cloisters, linked to Westminster Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of London’s top tourist attractions.

Westminster Abbey will be visible from the building entrance, according to artist impressions

Meadow Partners

Grade I buildings are deemed to be of exceptional interest, according to Historic England. Only about 2.5% of listed buildings are Grade I.

Historic England said the new building would be “visible” from parts of the Great Cloister because it would jut above the historic roof line, where other modern buildings are already on view.

“This would further erode the enclosed setting of the Great Cloister and cause some harm to its significance as a Grade I listed building and as a component of the Westminster Abbey and Parliament Square Conservation Area,” said the public body.

The quango later clarified, according to planning documents, that it did not think the proposed development would impact views of the Abbey and that “any harm to its Outstanding Universal Value would be negligible”.

Despite the reports received by councillors, the Abbey submitted a letter of support for the planning application. It was reportedly one of nine letters in support, with two letters sent in objection.

The applicant, Healey Development, on behalf of private equity real estate investor Meadow Partners, has been advised to carry out an investigation and protect any historical artefacts identified.

Westminster Abbey is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Part of the designated footprint sits above a medieval almshouse founded around 1500 that was directly linked to the historical worship site.

Historic England advised that subterranean archaeological remains could still be present at the location which, if well preserved, may prove of "national importance".

During the hearing, Labour councillor Nafsika Butler-Thalassis said that she was not satisfied the applicant had done everything it could to explore retrofitting the existing buildings, instead of demolishing them.

Ms Butler-Thalassis said she found the application "really disappointing and effectively lazy".

The scheme will offer a 716 square metre commercial space for shops, restaurants and cafes on the ground floor. It will also add urban green space and 347 long-stay cycle spaces.

Healey Development would be required to make a carbon offset payment to the council of nearly £1million, as well as a payment of over £700,000 towards local employment and skills.

Guy Bransbry, speaking on behalf of the applicant, said: "The proposals will transform a currently neglected part of Victoria Street.

"A ground floor, new active commercial uses and landscaping will create an attractive, welcoming streetscape, increasing activity and natural surveillance and improving the experience of all using it. The scheme will support 1,200 jobs in the offices."

The vote passed by three to two, with Conservative members on the sub-committee voting in favour of the development, while both Labour members voted against the application.