Twin tower student block sparks ‘red on red’ clash between Sadiq Khan and Westminster council

• Sadiq Khan’s deputy mayor has approved a 20 and 12-storey, 605-bed student accommodation scheme at Paddington Basin, overruling Westminster council

• Councillors argued the towers would harm residents’ quality of life, fail to address Westminster’s housing and homelessness crises, and contribute nothing to bringing families back to the area

• City Hall said the project equates to 242 new homes, includes 30% affordable student rooms and brings over £3.5m for affordable housing