One of London’s most famous landmarks could soon have a different backdrop after controversial plans for new skyscrapers near the Tower of London were given government backing.
The Tower, which has stood beside the River Thames for nearly 1,000 years, is set to see its skyline altered as part of an expansion plan for the City of London’s financial district.
The decision follows a dispute between the City of London Corporation and Historic England over how to manage future development around the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Historic England had pushed for stronger protections to preserve views of the Tower, particularly from the river.
However, planning inspectors concluded that the City’s approach struck an acceptable balance between preserving the historic landmark and allowing new development.
The plans form part of the City of London Corporation’s City Plan 2040, which sets out the future of the Square Mile. The plan includes provisions for more office space and tall buildings within the City Cluster, an area already home to several of London’s tallest towers.
The ruling gives the go-ahead for further tall buildings on the eastern side of the Square Mile, despite concerns about their impact on one of the capital’s most photographed views.
London Streets has been covering the new Fitzrovia hotel and Muswell Hill’s award-winning curry house this week.
