Student developer Unite plans to build the 20-storey student accommodation block on a Travis Perkins builders’ merchant site at Baltic Wharf in Paddington Basin.

The proposal includes a new canal-side path along the Grand Union Canal and a revamped space for Travis Perkins at the ground and lower level at 149 Harrow Road.

Labour and Tory councillors from Westminster City joined forces to oppose the scheme, claiming it is “excessive” and would create a “canyon” effect.

Student rooms block will comprise two linked towers above a new builders’ merchant depot

Now Khan has decided to intervene and take control of the planning process.

In a letter to the Labour-run authority, the mayor has said that the scheme would make a “positive contribution towards London housing targets”.

He also warned that “the non-delivery of 605 student bed spaces is considered to impact upon the implementation of the London Plan”

This estimates that the city needs at least 3,500 new student bed spaces to be created every year just in order to meet demand.

Khan told Westminister that City Hall would take control of the application and host a public hearing at some point in the coming months to decide whether to overrule the council or allow its decision to stand.