Fresh proposals for a 58-storey tower and a shorter 44-storey block have been submitted to the Old Oak & Park Royal Development Corporation. Plans previously approved in August 2021 included a 55-storey tower but were criticised for being an “eyesore” by residents, with one campaigner labelling it “London’s Trump Tower”.
The revised scheme would include 699 build-to-rent homes, as well as a 90 bed hotel, which was originally planned to have 159 beds. Aldau said it had redesigned the tower to add a second staircase following the government’s proposals for all residential buildings above 18 metres to have a second means of escape last summer.
The Cairo-based developer added that it wanted to improve the sustainability of the buildings with higher performing facades and a more efficient energy strategy. The firm said: “Since the existing planning permission was approved in August 2021 there have been significant events nationally and globally that have affected the deliverability of the scheme.
“These include: the Covid-19 Pandemic, changes to fire regulations, raw materials shortages, inflationary pressures on build costs, supply issues and rapidly rising energy costs.”
It added: “Whilst the existing scheme could be amended or adjusted, a wholesale approach to tackle the key items such as introducing two fire stairs, dual aspect façades and a more sustainable energy strategy warranted a holistic review.
“As such a redesign from the ground up was undertaken in 2022-2024 in close collaboration and consultation with the [Old Oak and Park Royal Development Corporation] since January 2023.
“The proposed scheme has evolved from a design lead approach with core principles retained throughout.”
The developer wrote in plans sent to residents for consultation: “Revisiting the plans has provided the opportunity to improve public spaces and amenities, to provide a variety of benefits for the local community and new residents. In addition the scheme reflects new and emerging planning guidance such as 2 fire stairs and an all electric energy strategy.”
A date for the revised proposals to be decided has not yet been set.