City plan change sought to protect Tower of London
Historic England urges city plan tweak to safeguard the Tower of London from potential UNESCO World Heritage in Danger listing.
Background
According to BBC News, Historic England has expressed serious concerns about the safety of the Tower of London due to proposed high-rise developments nearby. They have requested amendments to the City of London Corporation's draft local plan, City Plan 2040.
Key Points
- Risk to World Heritage Site: The Tower of London is at risk of being added to UNESCO's World Heritage in Danger list unless action is taken.
- Concerns Over Skyscrapers: Historic England cites the size of potential future skyscrapers in the east of the Square Mile as a primary concern.
- Proposed Changes: They seek changes to the Corporation's plan regarding where new developments near the Tower may be permitted.
- Corporation's Stance: The City of London Corporation argues that the suggested changes would hinder economic growth and not significantly improve heritage protection.
- Delays and Impact: Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook directed inspectors to halt the City Plan's publication, considering Historic England's suggestion, and arranged further hearings to assess impacts on the Tower.
- Economic Growth vs. Heritage Protection: The Corporation claims that the delays have negatively affected investor confidence, while Historic England maintains its proposed changes are necessary to protect the World Heritage Site without preventing the City from meeting its office space target.
Quotes
We made no secret of our frustration at the delay. — Chris Hayward, City of London Corporation's policy chairman
Uncertainty in the planning system is a drag on economic growth... In the City, where schemes are complex... that doubt is especially damaging. — Chris Hayward
a more deferential relationship between the [Tower and the City Cluster] — Ben Du Feu, barrister representing Historic England
Next Steps
Inspectors will prepare a letter to the Corporation, to be signed by the housing minister, triggering the next stage of proceedings, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.