London’s twin towers to feature 291 new homes

Plans to develop two high-rise towers in the Vauxhall Nine Elms area of London have been approved by Communities secretary Eric Pickles following a public inquiry.

Despite opposition to the scheme from Lambeth Council, Pickles sided with the planning inspector's decision to approve the development, which will provide much needed new homes in London.

In a letter, he wrote that the twin towers would "beneficially add to the supply of housing in the area and that the amount of affordable housing offered is the maximum reasonable provision".

The mixed-use Vauxhall Cross scheme will feature two 40- and 32-storey buildings consisting of 291 apartments, including 58 affordable homes, along with almost 30,000sqft of office space. Plans also include shops, restaurants, a cinema and a 179-room hotel.

Michael Squire, a partner at architects Squire and Partners, who designed the project, commented: "The scheme will transform and reinvigorate the area, opening up the confusing transport interchange and providing an important connection between the historic centre of Vauxhall, the river and the emerging opportunity area.

"New retail, offices and public spaces will improve the ground floor environment and bring life to this previously derelict site."