Richard rogers Partnership's design for a landmark 41-storey tower at Paddington has been scaled down to twin towers of 20 stories each.
Developer Chelsfield withdrew its original proposal for a 164 m building in February after objections from Westminster planners and English Heritage.

They argued that it would have an adverse impact on the surrounding conservation area and views from Regent's Park.

In March, Chelsfield commissioned architect Kohn Pedersen Fox to study the impact on the urban environment of changing the height and massing of the tower.

Kohn Pedersen Fox supported Richard Rogers Partnership's proposal for a tall building. "With the loss of the original Rogers scheme you lose a wonderful, large public space at the base of it at Paddington Basin," said Lee Polisano, principal at Kohn Pedersen Fox.

"By having the same density at lower height, you have a very reduced public space."

However, Westminster council was inflexible, and last month approved a plan that enshrined a 100 m height limit for buildings in the borough

Richard Rogers Partnership will submit a fresh planning application to Westminster council this month for the revised scheme.

  • Architect John McAslan and Partners has reduced the height of a £45m tower at Deptford, south-east London, for developer Brookmill Estates after objections by English Heritage. EH raised concern about the impact of the tower on adjacent listed buildings.