Westminster council challenges Doon Street Tower

Westminster council has launched a legal challenge in a bid to force developers to rethink plans to build the 143m-high Doon Street Tower – even though it will be built in Lambeth.

The council said that the Coin Street Community Builders' project would spoil historic views from St James's Park, according to the Evening Standard.

Earlier this year Communities Secretary Hazel Blears approved the scheme, which will contain 329 flats. Their sale is expected to fund the construction of a 25m swimming pool and leisure centre in the Lambeth area. London Mayor Boris Johnson also revealed that he would not oppose the project.

But the council and English Heritage have lodged papers challenging Blears' decision.

English Heritage chief executive Simon Thurley said: "We urge the Secretary of State to respond positively to this challenge and to look again at the ways in which this scheme can be delivered which avoids harm to one of London's greatest assets - its heritage."