We had a mini storage room in the apartment, similar to the last plan from the kitchen and accessed at a point where making a wall opening didn’t cause any problems. I thought that was good.
However, if, for the 3 sqm, additional walking space would have to be created, for example, I would forego it (always assuming limited space). If the 3 sqm instead open up to the hallway and can be designed as a cloakroom, I would probably also rather do without the pantry. You don’t really have any space for jackets and shoes there otherwise.