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In a report from Construction News<\/em><\/a>, Michael Gove, Communities Secretary, declared neither application for New City Court should be granted.<\/p>\n He stated that the high-rise proposals would harm the historic surroundings, according to Construction News<\/em>\u2019 sister title Architects\u2019 Journal<\/em>.<\/p>\n Original plans were submitted by Great Portland Estates (GPE) to Southwark Council in 2018, and involved the demolition of a 1980s building on the site in St Thomas Street, near London Bridge.<\/p>\n GPE then submitted a second, shorter scheme in April 2021 after concerns were raised over its height. But the council failed to make a decision on whether it should go ahead.<\/p>\n As a result, the developer appealed the 2018 and 2021 applications, along with linked listed building consent applications on the two schemes for the revamp of the neighbouring Georgian terrace at 4-16 St Thomas Street. Both appeals were granted.<\/p>\n Regarding the tower, Gove agreed with the Planning Inspector, Claire Searson, who shared that the upper-floor public gardens in the proposal would be beneficial elements, but added that \u201cthe success of the ground-floor space [was] more limited due to size and light issues.\u201d<\/p>\n You can read the full report here<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n