Land Securities has been granted full planning consent for its 1m sq ft mixed use development of Arundel Great Court at appeal.

The plans, by architects Horden Cherry Lee and Wilkinson Eyre, involves the redevelopment of one of its largest London assets.

The development will create two new buildings, an office building located at the north of the site on Strand, and a residential and hotel building to the South which will exploit the views along the River Thames. The scheme will deliver private housing, a 5-star hotel, and offices complemented by shops and public space.

Today’s decision by the planning inspector follows Westminster Council refusing consent in February this year. Westminster planning officers advised the council to not give consent to the plans because of the impact the development would have on historic views in the area, particularly from the bridges over the River Thames and the 18th century Somerset House.

Recent lettings have secured income until the end of 2012, with the earliest delivery of the scheme not anticipated before 2015.

Colette O’Shea, head of London development at Land Securities, said: “The mixed use scheme will transform the existing site from an uninspiring monolithic office block to a thriving new commercial and residential hub.”

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