Developer BREO Hundred gained planning for both development options for a new 13 storey office block on the site of the White Swan public house at 100 Fetter Lane.

One will see the new building incorporate the pub, known more affectionately as “the Mucky Duck” in the heyday of Fleet Street.

The other, the developer’s preferred option, will see the White Swan demolished with an alternative bar built in another part of the building.

Designer Fletcher Priest Architects is targeting a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating for the 140,000 sq ft building, which will provide office space, a new pedestrian route and sunken garden.

Option B with the old pub haunt used by Fleet Street’s sports journalist preserved

Both development options increase urban greening with several roof terraces and public realm improvements

Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, Alastair Moss, said: “The dual schemes for the Fetter Lane site represent strong ongoing developer confidence in the future of the City as a leading location in which to both do business and to spend time with friends, family and colleagues.

“With improvements to the public realm, the retention of the hospitality provision and a commitment to high-quality office space, the development is in line with our vision for the City’s recovery from the pandemic.

“The focus on active travel, new pedestrian routes and urban greening elements will provide benefits for both office occupiers and the wider local community by improving visual amenity, well-being and diversity.”

The developer will now decide which will ultimately be constructed.