Belgravia ‘aristo-flats’ redevelopment approved

Grosvenor has got the green light for a major housing project in Belgravia, after opposition from residents forced the developer to rethink the design of one of the blocks. The Duke of Westminster’s property company will redevelop five buildings around Cundy Street, SW1, to build 88 affordable homes, senior living accommodation for up to 170 people, and 75 open market homes. These will be accompanied by a revamped public park at Ebury Square, as well as a community hub, food store and cinema in the surrounding streets. The project was designed by architects DSDHA. Westminster planners approved the scheme unanimously last night (8 June) after objections from local societies, 79 residents, and local MP Nickie Aiken over a previous iteration of the project had forced them to defer their decision in February. Complaints had centred around the height of the new buildings, one of which was set to be 48 metres tall, and the subsequent impact on how much daylight neighbouring properties would get. As a result, planning officers were told to look into removing one floor from one of the proposed blocks. However, after a review, Grosvenor said removing the top floor would result in the loss of 15 affordable homes. Instead, it put forward a “generous setback” to the top storey of the building which would only cost five homes, all of which were set for intermediate rental levels. The Belgravia Residents Association noted that the scheme had been changed considerably, and withdrew its prior objections. The scheme as a whole will also will result in a 94% reduction in operational carbon and a 55% reduction in total operational and embodied carbon, compared with the current buildings. Anna Bond, executive director for development at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, said: “From the outset we wanted to create a place with better homes, more facilities and handsome public realm, built in a way that helps Belgravia adapt to the climate emergency. “With this approval, we can now get on and deliver exactly that for the community. They have played a pivotal role at every stage and we’ve very grateful to everyone who has contributed.” The approval brings to an end nearly two years of controversy around the scheme, which first saw locals object to the prospect of being permanently relocated – a proposal which Grosvenor rowed back on. It also prompted concerns from the Duchess of Cornwall Camilla Parker Bowles, according to The Daily Telegraph, who privately expressed concerns over the development, which spans more than 200,000 sq ft. The existing buildings, which are earmarked for demolition, include the flat where she is said to have frequently entertained Prince Charles after Mayfair nights out in the 1970s. The buildings earned the nickname “aristo-flats” in honour of their tenants. Grosvenor said that all affordable homes will be larger than the existing flats, some by up to 50%. They will also have dedicated communal gardens and play spaces.  The design revisions did not impact on the social rented housing offer. To send feedback, e-mail alex.daniel@eg.co.uk or tweet @alexmdaniel or @EGPropertyNews Image courtesy of Grosvenor