New office block approved near Harrods despite worries workers could peer into bedrooms.
Westminster Council approved it. The building is 11 stories tall and is at 1 Knightsbridge Green. It will have offices for almost 2,000 workers and they expect it to bring money to the area.
Berkeley Estate Asset Management proposed it. The vote was close, two to three. Councilors voted along party lines, as Conservatives opposed the project. They worried about residents’ privacy.
Labor councilors approved the building. Paul Fisher said it was needed and that high-quality offices are important. He believes Knightsbridge helps the country’s economy.
Rachael Robathan liked the design, but worried about residents. She said they would lose privacy and face noise. The building’s size is too much for her.
Jim Glen also had concerns. He feared workers could look into homes from the terraces. Caltex House will be replaced.
It will gain office space, plus retain a pub, restaurant, and post office. The project will cost over £100 million. BEAM is doing the work. It includes a garden and cycle parking.
The project plans carbon savings too. This will occur at Westminster schools. Some people objected to the building. It shrinks the Raphael Street pavement and sunlight to homes is also reduced.
One person claimed a 90% sunlight loss. Elizabeth Hitchcock had concerns and warned of a “canyon” effect on Raphael Street. She also warned of the oppressive feeling.
Westminster said no “undue” harm would happen. BEAM said the current building is bad and only serves 200 people now. It has space for many more.
The business district agreed it is unattractive. They said it has safety issues. BEAM proposed £2 million improvements.