The High Court has dismissed a challenge to the Secretary of State’s decision to approve plans for the redevelopment of the Shell Centre site on London’s South Bank, reports Canary Wharf Group.
Today’s dismissal in the High Court by Justice Collins follows a challenge to Secretary of State Eric Pickles’ decision in June 2014 to approve plans by Braeburn Estates, a joint venture between Canary Wharf Group plc and Qatari Diar, for the 1.45 million sq ft mixed use Shell Centre scheme.
In a joint statement, Braeburn Estates said: “We are pleased that the challenge to the Secretary of State’s decision to grant our planning application to redevelop the Shell Centre has been dismissed. We strongly believe that our redevelopment of this important site will be a catalyst for the regeneration of Waterloo, creating thousands of jobs and hundreds of homes, which in turn will benefit London and the UK.
“The planning application has been through a thorough and comprehensive process including a public inquiry and has been supported by Lambeth Council, the Mayor for London, the Planning Inspector and the Secretary of State. The Secretary of State’s decision to grant planning permission has now also been upheld by the High Court and we welcome Justice Collins’ decision not to grant leave to appeal. We are hopeful that this is the final stage in the extremely rigorous planning process around this development, and we look forward to commencing work in the near future.”
Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor for Planning said: “It is good news for south London that this unnecessary and hugely-expensive legal challenge has been dismissed. This scheme will provide a huge economic boost for Lambeth and paves the way for hundreds of much needed new homes and jobs. After such lengthy delays, I hope that this is the end of the legal process and that work can begin on this important development.”
The 27-storey Shell Centre Tower will remain the centrepiece of the new site and will continue to be owned and occupied by Shell. It will be complemented by new buildings comprising 580,000 sq ft of office and retail space and 820,000 sq ft of residential space. The site has been master planned by Squire and Partners and phased construction of this highly sustainable development is due to commence later in 2015.