Mayor of London Sadiq Khan has stepped in to rule on Unite Students’ proposal for Baltic Wharf – a 20-storey purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) scheme in Paddington, after Westminster Council decided to reject it.
Designed by Make Architects, the first submitted plans in 2021 were for a 22-storey, 843-bedroom PBSA scheme. Later, plans were revised, removing two storeys and 75 beds, however those plans were rejected in 2022.
Now, in a letter to the borough, Sadiq Khan said the ‘non-delivery’ of the 605-bed Baltic Wharf scheme – the latest in a series of high-rise proposals for the plot – would have a ‘significant impact’ on the implementation of the London Plan and affect other boroughs.
The Mayor has now said he was therefore taking over as local planning authority for Unite Students 20-storey scheme and will choose whether to overrule Westminster Council’s January rejection following a public hearing in the coming months.
The scheme near Paddington Basin features two buildings linked by a podium, with students bedrooms earmarked for King’s College London students.
“The proposed development would be of a scale which would provide a significant contribution to the strategic student accommodation requirement identified in the London Plan.
“In 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.
“The support from a higher education provider with campuses in boroughs other than Westminster demonstrates the potential contribution of the proposed development.’
24 March Letter, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London
A report published by Greater London Authority planners said that Unite Students’ scheme was ‘supported in principle’ and recommended Sadiq Khan rule on it — but also acknowledged it ‘does not fully comply’ with London Plan policies. A date has not yet been set for City Hall’s public hearing on the application.
