28-Story U.K. Tower Approved on Appeal

Squire & Partners has won planning permission for a 28-story co-living development in Croydon, U.K., that was originally rejected by the local planning authority because of its impact on a nearby tower, Building Design reports. The Squires scheme was created for developers Fifth State and Wittington Investments and will replace the five-story Citylink House office building on Addiscombe Road, east Croydon. The tower will deliver 498 shared-living units and 84 on-site affordable homes, as well as 594 m² of space for community and commercial use. In addition to private space, the building will feature shared kitchens, lounges, well-being studios, spas, cinemas, game rooms and co-working spaces. A double-height amenity floor at the very top of the building has been designed with a “woven” structure, while a planted roof terrace sits on top of the shoulder block. Croydon Council planning officers had recommended the proposals for approval at a planning committee meeting in January last year. However, the application was subsequently refused. After a one-day appeal hearing in January of this year, the planning inspector approved the design in April saying the development “would provide a substantial amount of housing and pose ‘no harm’” to the other tower.