Offices, hotel and retail tower at Standon House, London E1

What was proposed

Demolition and a new building of up to 21 storeys with office, retail, hotel and restaurant space.

“Paul Buckenham introduced the item relating to the demolition of the existing building and erection of a new building of up to 21 storeys, plus two storey basement, to provide office and retail space (Use Class E) and a new hotel (Use Class C1) with restaurant (Use Class E); along with roof level plant enclosures, refuse and recycling facilities, cycle parking, servicing, landscaping and other associated works.”

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Why officers recommended approval

Officers found a net loss of office space and very low heritage harm, but considered these outweighed by new jobs, workspace and public realm benefits.

“Following the introduction, Adam Hussain (AH), Planning Case Officer, presented the details of the application. AH advised that the proposal would result in a net loss of approximately 10% of office floorspace and a very low level of less than substantial harm to the setting of the Tower of London World Heritage Site.”

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A heritage objection

An objector said the building's height and cumulative impact would harm the setting of the Tower of London World Heritage Site.

“The Committee then heard from an objector who argued that the proposal’s height and cumulative impact would harm the setting and Outstanding Universal Value of the Tower of London Heritage Site. Concerns were expressed that the proposal would add to the changing skyline in protected views and would conflict with the policy approach requiring building heights to step down towards the edge of the Aldgate cluster.”

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The case for the scheme

The applicant's representatives said the scheme responded to changing market conditions and highlighted its public benefits, having already reduced its height.

Weighing the heritage harm

Officers said the height stepped down towards the edge of the tall-building cluster and that Historic England had raised no objection after amendments.

“Members sought clarification on the principle of the proposed office and hotel development, including the appropriateness of its height and use. Officers advised that the proposal was located within the Aldgate Tall Building Zone and that the proposed height stepped down towards the edge of the cluster in accordance with policy. They further noted that the site was suitable for hotel use within the Central Activities Zone.”

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Workspace and other conditions

Officers confirmed affordable workspace at a 35% discount for 15 years and a financial contribution securing a nearby disabled parking space.

“Queries were raised on the affordable workspace provision, disabled parking, construction timeline, the CIL contributions and the amendments made during the application process. Officers advised that the scheme would provide…”

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The vote

The committee voted 8 in favour, none against and no abstentions.

“Re PA/25/02104, the Committee voted 8 in favour, 0 against and 0 abstentions.”

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The decision

Planning permission was granted subject to conditions and planning obligations secured in a Section 106 agreement.

“That planning permission for PA/25/02104, Standon House, 21 Mansell Street, E1 8AN, be GRANTED subject to conditions and planning obligations to be secured in a Section 106 legal agreement, as set out in the main report and update report.”

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