Housing secretary Robert Jenrick has decided to approve a controversial 17-storey tower block close to Kensington Palace in London.

He said he agreed with the inspector’s recommendation to approve the mixed-use redevelopment of Newcombe House on the corner of Notting Hill Gate and Kensington Gardens after the proportion of affordable housing was increased to 35%, and the number of homes overall to 55.

The scheme, designed by Urban Sense Consultant Architects for developer Notting Hill Gate KCS, was twice turned down by Kensington & Chelsea council before being approved by London mayor Sadiq Khan in 2018, after which Jenrick called the application in for determination himself.

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