Battersea power struggle

PLANS to build a 300-metre glass tower next to Battersea Power Station have been scaled back after opposition from campaigners and heritage groups.

The tower formed the centrepiece of a £4billion scheme to restore and redevelop the derelict Grade II*-listed generator and the surrounding area.

However, the height of the tower and its impact on views of landmarks, such as the Palace of Westminster, was labelled "catastrophic" by opponents and the original plans have been scrapped.

The tower made up part of an "eco-dome" enclosing 2.5million sq ft of office space that would be naturally ventilated by air sucked in from outside, heating up and rising through the "chimney" of the tower. The natural air-conditioning will reduce the energy needs of the offices by up to two thirds.

Developers Treasury Holdings said they would trim 50 metres from the height of the tower from 300 to 250 metres, reduce its diameter from 32 to 25 metres and move it 100metres further away from the Giles Gilbert Scott-designed industrial landmark.

The eco-dome will be roughly halved in size with the amount of office space reduced to 1.25 million sq ft. This will make the power station more visible. Rob Tincknell, managing director of Treasury Holdings, today presented the revised plan to Mayor Boris Johnson and CABE, the Government's advisers on urban design.

He said: "We have taken on board the comments made to us and believe the new masterplan responds to every concern raised in the last six months.

"One of them was the height of the building, people felt it was just a bit too high. It popped up above a couple of buildings in Westminster but now it has no impact on four out of the five views in the London view management framework."

He added: "By reducing the size of the eco-dome we have reduced the need for such a high chimney. CABE wanted the tower closer to the river and we've moved it as close as possible."

The scheme also involves the construction of a privately funded 1.75 mile Tube extension to the power station at a cost of about £400million.

The power station itself would be turned into a retail and hotel complex. Added features under the new plan include a performance arena inside the power station, a huge ball room, a primary school and a medical centre.

But critics remained doubtful whether the changes had gone far enough.

Keith Garner, a member of the Battersea Power Station Community Group, said: "The odd 50 metres is neither here nor there. It will still be poking up above the Palace of Westminster."

But Mr Tincknell said that without the go-ahead the power station may be doomed.

He said it had three to five years before being beyond restoration and no other viable scheme was in sight.