The report said that their main objections were with the developer's plans to create a 53,820 square foot piazza at the base of the Centre Point, W1 building near the junction of New Oxford Street and Charing Cross Road. Those plans conflict with those of the Transport for London (TfL) for public realm to exist around Tottenham Court Road Crossrail station, the council said. Almacantar has been in talks with TfL to strip out the congested road leading to the site to make space for the piazza.
The report has recommends that Almacantar resubmits their plans, but exclude their proposals for public space around Centre Point.
The council also said the plans lacked sufficient information on the amount of affordable housing that the development will provide.
Almacantar submitted plans (25-page / 841KB PDF) for the £350 million redevelopment in June. The application set out plans for regeneration of Centre Point Tower, Centre Point House, the bridge link and the space surrounding the buildings. Under the plans the space would be converted into a mix of retail and residential accommodation with 82 flats, as well as the public piazza. The company was planning to start work in the spring 2013.
Camden Council's cabinet committee is expected to make an official decision on the scheme at a meeting on 20 September.
