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Protestors have prompted developer Sellar Property Group to pull plans on the Renzo Piano-designed skyscraper sited in London's Paddington area. The 72-story "skinny Shard" has been harshly criticized by locals and Historic England for "blighting views" of the capital and being out-of-place, hence its popular nickname - the "Paddington Pole."
“London’s skyline is unique, iconic and loved. It has to be managed sensitively and with proper planning,” Historic England chief executive Duncan Wilson told The Guardian. “Tall buildings can be exciting and useful, but if they are poorly designed, or in the wrong place, they can really harm our cities. We trust that the revised plans for Paddington Place will take the area’s unique character into account.”
The 254-meter-tall skyscraper hoped to revitalize the area by "tapping into the potential of Paddington," says the developer, "much like" the 306-meter Shard. "It is a fantastic location but it is stuck in a Fifties time-warp. We intend to create a place for people to go, where they will want to live, work, eat and shop," said Sellar Property Group chairman Irvine Sellar when the project was first presented.
Sellar Property Group commented on their decision to pull the project by saying: “We have always believed that successful development is a collaborative process, involving the developer, council and community and look forward to delivering a development in Paddington of which Westminster and its residents can be proud.”
WE WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PADDINGTON POLE APPLICATION WITHDRAWN!!!!!@@CampaignSkyline pic.twitter.com/5vcwOMUnen
— Skyline Campaign (@CampaignSkyline) January 30, 2016 News via The Guardian
