The Secretary of State today refused an appeal for a mixed use building of one part 32 storey and one part 25 storeys comprising up to 327 residential units, office and retail/restaurant uses. The Secretary of State overturned his Inspector’s recommendation. The reasons for refusal included the impact on the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew World Heritage Site. Russel Harris QC appeared for the appellant instructed by Linklaters LLP. James Maurici QC appeared for the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew instructed by Burges Salmon.