The Labour government's intervention in the City of London Corporation's skyscraper plans has sparked heated debate over the impact on the historic Tower of London. Housing Minister Matthew Pennycock has blocked parts of the proposal, citing concerns about heritage impacts on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In a letter to planning officials, Mr Pennycock stated that the City of London Corporation's proposals for tall buildings near the Tower should not proceed due to 'heritage impacts'. This decision directly addresses the Corporation's 'City Plan 2040', which outlines development proposals for new office spaces aimed at boosting London's growth and investment prospects.
The minister has directed the Planning Inspectorate to consider an alternative plan put forward by Historic England, a public body dedicated to protecting England's historic environment. Historic England had raised concerns that the City Corporation's plan did not adequately address the visual prominence of the Tower within the city skyline.
Melissa Hammett, Palaces and Collections Director at Historic Royal Palaces, welcomed Mr Pennycock's intervention, saying it acknowledges the Tower's significance as a World Heritage site. She described construction of tall buildings as an 'encroachment' on views from the fortress, which would 'further erode the Tower’s setting'.
Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s planning committee, strongly disagreed with the government's stance, labelling it 'anti-growth'. He argued that further hearings are unnecessary and claimed the decision will cost London missed economic growth. 'It beggars belief', he added.
A Ministry of Housing spokesperson reaffirmed the government's commitment to protecting World Heritage Sites as an 'irreplaceable part of this country’s history'. They said the request for inspectors to consider alternative proposals aims to safeguard the Tower of London against unsuitable development without restricting economic growth unduly.