A sprawling 1960s office complex is set to be demolished in one of the West End's largest redevelopments which will see more than 200 new homes built, in addition to offices, shops and a new public square.

Plans which will enable hundreds of people to live in central London have been given the go ahead by Westminster City Council. Westminster City Council's Planning and City Development Committee granted permission for a scheme which provides homes at 190 Strand.

Cllr Alastair Moss, Chairman of the planning and city development committee which gave the plans the go ahead, said: "One of the council's top priorities is to provide more homes in the heart of the capital. Westminster is not just a business district or a place renowned for its tourist attractions, it is a place where people live. Hopefully by granting permission for more homes in central London the city will be known not just for its heritage and historically stunning buildings, but as a place where people of different backgrounds and common aspirations can build their families, careers and lives."


The plans should see the 1960s buildings located in the Strand, Arundel Street, Maltravers Street and Milford Lane knocked down and redeveloped to provide 206 homes. The homes will be located on land which is bounded by the Strand to the north, Arundel Street to the west, Milford Lane to the east and Tweezers Alley to the south.

The new development will make up a complex of six buildings and will include 66 family sized homes with three plus bedrooms, 77 two bedroom homes, 50 one bedroom homes and 7 studio flats. The redevelopment will also include a new business centre, leisure centre and restaurant.

Also granted permission were plans for Johnson House, a 1950s block of flats, on Cundy Street to be turned into two buildings which provide 71 flats, with 52 two bedroom flats and homes, and 19 three bedroom properties, with a communal garden.

The council has a £93 million plan to build almost 500 homes across Westminster. This is the largest affordable housing programme by a local authority seen in the capital since the 1970s to help meet surging demand for affordable housing and tackle overcrowding.

(CD/KMcA)