Plans by AHMM to redevelop an entire city block in Marylebone have been recommended for approval by Westminster planning officers. The proposal features an eight-storey mixed-use development that includes 28,000 sq m of office space and 17 homes on land bounded by Baker Street, Blandford Street, Dorset Street, and Broadstone Place.

The project is a joint venture between Derwent London, Lazari Investments, and the Portman Estate, and is described as the last strategic development site in the Baker Street area.

Recent planning decisions in Westminster’s central commercial district have seen a mix of outcomes. In April, a proposal by Fathom Architects to redevelop a block on Savile Row was refused despite compliance with local planning guidance, while a Foster & Partners retrofit in Mayfair was approved. Last month, a PLP demolish and rebuild scheme on Savile Row was also approved.

Westminster’s planning officers support AHMM’s Baker Street project, noting that reusing the current buildings would not be viable due to differing floorplates. While the developers considered retaining one building, Accurist House, a study found this would have a comparable upfront carbon impact to redeveloping the entire site.

The developers have committed to reusing 59% of the existing Accurist House by retaining its raft foundations and have stated that the new building will have significantly better operational energy performance.

The project team includes planning consultant Gerald Eve, landscape architect LDA Design, structural engineer Buro Happold, MEP and services engineer Cundall, cost consultant Aecom, and project manager Gardiner & Theobald. Councillors will meet next week to make a decision on the proposal.