Allies & Morrison’s Waterloo scheme called in

Communities secretary Hazel Blears has called in plans for a £1bn redevelopment next to Waterloo station.

Westminster council and English Heritage have already objected to Allies & Morrison’s design for the redevelopment of the dilapidated Elizabeth House.

However, last week the mayor’s office said it would not direct the council to refuse planning consent for the scheme, which is being developed by P&O Estates and Morgan Stanley Real Estate.

Now Blears has ordered an inquiry to consider whether the height of the scheme’s buildings is appropriate in the conservation area.

The scheme would provide 78,500m² of offices in two towers of 28 and 22 storeys in height and 280 flats in a 33-storey tower.