The Court of Appeal ruled on Friday that Southwark Council was right to grant planning permission for a 31-storey 500-bed student accommodation scheme next to the Shard at London Bridge.
The block, dubbed the Quill because of its profile, is being developed by Investream and has been designed by Spparc Architecture.
Adjoining landowner Threadneedle took out a judicial review against Southwark Council and communities secretary Eric Pickles, who decided against calling in the planning decision for review. The High Court ealier ruled that the conduct of both the council and the secretary of state had been 'unimpeachable'. The Court of Appeal has now upheld this decision.
One of the main objections to the scheme has been its 109m height. But as this is only a third of the height of the neighbouring Shard (310m), this criticism has been dismissed by the courts, the council and the secretary of state.
Rory Joyce, partner at Drivers Jonas Deloitte and planning consultant for the development said: "After three years of working with the Council and other parties to gain planning permission for this scheme, we are delighted with the Court of Appeal's decision. At a time when we all recognise the pressing need for investment and regeneration, it is more important than ever that developers are able to get on with delivering high quality schemes like The Quill."
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