The panel said the project "will create a much improved experience for passengers using the Hammersmith & City underground line."

The plans will see the taxi rank, currently on Departures Road, moved to allow the development of a new concourse for Crossrail.

The new taxi facilities will include a ramp off Bishops Bridge Road, which will eventually be incorporated into a commercial over site development.

The panel praised the ambition to minimise the environmental impact of the scheme: much of the material from the demolition of the existing structures on the site will be retained and used for the redevelopment, and surplus material will be removed from the site by canal. It is proposed that photovoltaic panels will be used on some areas of the façade.

The panel urged Crossrail to involve artists at an early stage, in particular, to work with the architects on the design of decorative glazing proposed for the Hammersmith & City line concourse. This could add to the distinctive character of the station while also helping people to find their way around.

Deborah Denner, Senior design review advisor, comments: "Paddington is a good example of the way many Crossrail stations need to be knitted into sensitive historic contexts. We've been working with Crossrail over the past year, advising on these projects through a dedicated design review panel, and we're pleased to be able to support this scheme for planning approval."