Plans approved for South Bank Shell Centre development

Developers have revealed plans to build offices, homes and shops

Plans to redevelop an area of London's South Bank around the Shell Centre have been approved by Lambeth Council.

Braeburn Estates with Canary Wharf Group and Qatari Diar will create the nine-building site which includes office, retail and housing space.

The Shell centre is situated between Waterloo Station and Hungerford Bridge.

Lambeth Council said it had received 67 objections to the plans largely over the lack of affordable housing and a change of view.

'Positive step'

As part of the scheme, pedestrian routes will be created to connect Waterloo Station and the South Bank and Chicheley Street will be widened to open up the approach to the London Eye.

Of the 877 properties set to be created, 98 would be affordable, the Canary Wharf Group said.

Ed Daniels, Country Chair of Shell UK, said: "This approval is an extremely positive step for a development that will not just regenerate Lambeth and provide vitality to the local community, but also secure the long-term future for Shell and its London based staff on the South Bank.'

Lambeth councillor Lib Peck said it would "deliver much needed jobs, new and affordable homes and better open spaces".

She added: "We're very pleased that Shell has chosen to remain in the area and that as part of the scheme we've been able to negotiate a substantial amount of money for improvements to community facilities, which will include extended Jubilee Gardens by 2016."

'Hotchpotch' buildings

During a year-long consultation process Lambeth Council said it received 67 objections after 6,693 letters were sent out with some saying the development would create an "overwhelming eyesore" and a "hotchpotch" of buildings.

The Whitehouse Residents and Owners Association said: "The sense of history of the Shell Centre will be lost forever.

"The area will become just another high rise nonentity with little regard to its position on the South Bank."

English Heritage said the plan "significantly detracts rather than adds to the picturesque qualities of the view".

But Lambeth Council said: "Officers consider the proposed development sits comfortably with the mid 20th Century aspirations for the redevelopment of this area."

It is hoped that the development will be completed in 2019.