A planned redevelopment of Notting Hill Gate has been called in by the Government, reigniting a war of words between the council and City Hall.
Kensington & Chelsea said it was “pleased” by the move to take the final decision on the proposed scheme out of the hands of Mayor Sadiq Khan.
The local authority initially turned down the application for the development on the Newcombe House site after receiving 750 objections from residents.
However, the council was overruled by the Mayor in September following revisions from Brockton Capital to increase the number of affordable homes from nine to 23.
But the council’s planning committee is expected to agree tomorrow to continue to oppose the project at a planning inquiry ordered by Communities Secretary James Brokenshire for November, on the grounds that the tower would not be of “high-design quality” and would cause “substantial harm” to nearby listed buildings.
A council spokesman said: “Maybe residents’ concerns can now be heard.”
A spokesman for the Mayor said: “Following the Mayor of London’s decision to grant planning permission, this application was called in by the Secretary of State. The Planning Inspectorate is now dealing with the case ahead of a hearing later this year.”
