Architect DSDHA’s proposals to replace five blocks of 20^th-century flats in an exclusive part of central London with a taller residential scheme that includes much more retail and leisure space – as well as specialist housing for older people – are poised for approval by Westminster council

Landowner Grosvenor Estate’s controversial plans would see the demolition of the four 1950s blocks that make up Belgravia’s seven-storey Cundy Street Flats development and social housing block Walden House, which was completed in 1924. The buildings would be replaced by a mixed-use scheme that would be 11 storeys at its tallest.

The moderne Cundy Street Flats, with their distinctive curved balconies and yellow cylindrical columns, were designed by TP Bennett. They currently contain 111 homes while Walden House has a further 40 homes. Under DSDHA’s proposals, three new blocks would be built on the site containing 70 private apartments, 49 “intermediate” affordable homes, 44 social rent homes and up to 305 homes for the over-65s – split between individual units and assisted-living units.

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