The balloon’s gone up… cabbies join fight against 15-storey tower near their HQ

Black-cab drivers have joined forces with residents in west London to fight a new 15-storey tower which they fear will overshadow their homes.

The Licensed Taxi Drivers Association floated a blimp in Westbourne Park, where its HQ is based, to show the height of the proposed tower.

Meadow Partners, an international property investor and asset manager, has applied to Westminster council for permission to demolish Hathaway House in Woodfield Road.

They want to replace it with a taller tower comprising 78 homes, including 15 affordable units, along with healthcare facilities at ground level and bicycle parking. The LTDA has been based at nearby Taxi House for 40 years.

Steve McNamara, LTDA general secretary, said: “We’re very much part of the local community and we are helping the locals combat plans for this skyscraper.

"The people in the flats next door, most social housing, are going to be overshadowed by this 15-storey skyscraper.”

Residents are also worried that the new building will block access to the Grand Union Canal.