At a glance

• Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor has approved a 20 and 12-storey, 605-bed student accommodation scheme at Paddington Basin, overruling Westminster council

• Councillors argued the towers would harm residents’ quality of life, fail to address Westminster’s housing and homelessness crises, and contribute nothing to bringing families back to the area

• City Hall said the project equates to 242 new homes, includes 30% affordable student rooms and brings over £3.5m for affordable housing

Plans for a “twin tower” student accommodation block near Paddington station have sparked a “red on red” row between the London mayor and Labour councillors.

The proposal, for one 20-storey tower and another of 12 storeys, containing a total of 605 student bedrooms, will be built alongside the can

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