Huge £1bn project for three towers comprising more than 400 homes near London’s Blackfriars Bridge gets green light despite neighbors’ concerns

A huge £1 billion project for three tower blocks, comprising more than 400 homes, near Blackfriars Bridge has been approved despite concerns from neighbors.

A 195m office block and two residential towers – 155m and 95m high – will be built despite protests that it would harm the view from St James’s Park and the Foreign Office.

The 18 Blackfriars Road project will see the tower be taller than the nearby distinctive landmark 1 Blackfriars Road, informally known as The Vase or The Boomerang, which stands at 163m.

Southwark Council approved the plan on Monday, creating 433 new homes which will be “fossil fuel free, 100% electric and net zero carbon in operation”.

Of these, 40.5 per cent will be affordable housing and will generate £11 million in funding for social housing.

Plans for 18 Blackfriars Road will see it tower over The Boomerang landmark. Pictured is the London skyline as it stands and what it could look like with the new towers.

A view of what new development could look like as part of London’s skyline

The controversial proposals have been criticized by Westminster City Council.

He lodged a formal objection, saying the new towers would “significantly” harm the views of St James’s Park, as well as those of the Foreign Office.

Neighbors also protested the project, including those who live on Roupell Street in Waterloo.

It is known for its rows of beautiful, relatively intact 19th century houses, seen in shows such as Call the Midwife, Mr Selfridge and Doctor Who.

Residents have criticized the “unprecedented size” of the proposed buildings, according to The Standard.

But it was claimed that the developer, Hines, planned to emphasize the character of the two-story houses on Roupell Street through contrast.

Two Grade II listed buildings currently reside on the site and will be retained but will undergo alterations.

A Google Street view of the 18 Blackfriars Road area, where the planned towers will be built

The projects will now be submitted to the Mayor of London, who will choose whether to intervene or not.

Ross Blair, of developer Hines UK, said: “Our plans will transform undeveloped land, much of which has sat empty for over 20 years, into much-needed new homes and first-class, sustainable and high-tech offices built around . a central hub that we hope will become a whole new gathering space for the local community.

“Businesses of all sizes and industries are demanding more from their offices because their employees are demanding more. 18 Blackfriars aims to meet this challenge and create the office of the future.

“We believe our plans for 18 Blackfriars will set a new standard for premium workspace in London, both fully integrated into its hyper-local community and located right in the heart of our capital.

“Bringing this project to life underlines our long-term belief in London as a thriving global center for culture, education and business.”