Sir Terry Farrell objects to building plans: world-renowned architect opposes residents' proposal to extend one of his first major projects

A world renowned architect is objecting to plans to extend one of his first London buildings, saying it is “complete” in its present form.

Sir Terry Farrell, who designed the MI6 building and Embankment Place at Charing Cross Station, has lodged a complaint against plans for a single storey roof extension to The Colonnades building in Bayswater.

The mixed development of flats and shops was built in the Seventies and was one of the first major projects for Sir Terry Farrell and Sir Nicholas Grimshaw, who both later set up separate practices of global recognition and are widely recognised as two of the most influential architects in the UK.

The proposed extension would provide extra bedrooms and bathrooms for 11 existing flats above the large Waitrose in Bishops Bridge Road, where homes sell for in excess of £1 million.

Sir Terry said: “The design of the Colonnades, which me and my firm led, never ever intended in any way to raise any of the roof top patio houses another floor. These patio houses were deemed to be architecturally and market-wise complete in their present form.”

The Colonnades is not listed but falls within the Bayswater Conservation Area. It was designed by the Farrell Grimshaw Practice in the early 1970s and won a number of awards.

The extension has been proposed by some of the existing residents, some with growing families. In documents submitted to Westminster council architects DLG said: “This application is not made by a multi-million pound luxury developer or large property company profiting from reselling to overseas investors. This application is put forward by leaseholders and residents who have come together in the true spirit of community, in order to meet their everyday needs for a safe, healthy and functional living environment whilst improving the quality of their neighbourhood.”

Westminster council has received more than 50 objections to the plans, that included concerns about noise and disruption during building work, the impact on the building’s appearance, and loss of privacy for neighbours.

Some 23 letters have been written in support.

Westminster’s planning officers have recommended the extensions are approved when they go in front of the council’s planning committee on Tuesday 9 June.

Their report states: “The general position, size and manner of the extensions would be respectful to the original character of the Farrell Grimshaw designs and would integrate well with the wider block.”