Top skyscraper architect criticises plan for Paddington tower

Plans from the team behind The Shard for a 72-storey skyscraper at Paddington Station have come under fire from one of Britain’s leading architects.

Sir Terry Farrell, whose offices and home are close to the mainline station, described the scheme from architect Renzo Piano and property firm Sellar as “opportunistic” and “piecemeal”.

In a strongly worded 1,500-word letter to Westminster council, Sir Terry — who last year led a government review of architecture — said he had supported the London Bridge landmark but that the new tower was at a “much more sensitive site” near Royal Parks, listed buildings and residential conservation areas.

He said there was a “real need for a comprehensive wider scheme that doesn’t miss this opportunity to make a greater substantial difference”.

The architect, who has designed several tall buildings worldwide, argued that the “first route” for the council should be to seek a lower-rise alternative.