Westminster Council has said it still supports Land Securities as the developer for the Victoria Transport interchange – despite slating proposals at a planning meeting earlier this month.

Councillor Robert Davis, Westminster’s cabinet member for planning, said the council was ‘confident’ LandSecs was capable of revising its proposals for the £2bn mixed-use development.

‘We fully support the redevelopment of Victoria,’ he said, ‘and remain confident that the applicant is capable of developing revised proposals for a scheme that will fully recognises that this is an internationally important interchange.’

Serious concerns remain
But Davis also reiterated the council’s view that the previous plans, which would provide 2.9m sq ft of office, residential and retail space, did ‘not justify’ the negative impact they would have.

He said the council’s concerns, which include the provision of public realms, the height and bulk of two 128-metre high towers, the lack of affordable housing and the protection of views, could be overcome by LandSecs.

Surprised reaction

LandSecs was surprised by the criticism from Westminster Council when revised plans went before a planning meeting two weeks ago.

LandSecs London managing director Mike Hussey said it the council wanted fundamental changes it would cause the developer ‘problems.’

But Davis said the council was still keen to move forward with LandSecs and its development partner TfL.

‘We look forward to working with Land Securities, and all of the other parties, to help them realise the full potential of this scheme,’ he said.

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