Janice R. Andrews
Historic England has cautioned that the City of London Corporation’s proposed regulations for tall structures pose a “real threat” to the Tower of London’s World Heritage classification. Because of the wider heritage implications, the heritage watchdog deemed the draft City Plan 2040 “unsound in its current form” and denounced it.
The plan’s consultation period concludes on June 17 and will inform the corporation’s development plans for the Square Mile. The planning and transportation committee chair, Shravan Joshi, said the policies would make sure development honors historical resources while promoting economic expansion. In order to assist with future planning, the plan describes the City’s policies regarding housing, workplaces, and cultural venues.Links
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) examined Historic England’s contribution dated May 24, which was positive regarding regulations for tall buildings and offices but expressed serious concerns about policies regarding archaeology and building renovations. They issued a warning that they may “severely harm” valuable assets like the Tower of London and St. Paul’s Cathedral.
A “very serious inherent conflict” was highlighted by the watchdog between the plan’s goal of creating 1.2 million square meters (13 million square feet) of business space and the preservation of the historic environment. They said: “Policies relating to tall buildings and the City Cluster in the draft Plan represent a real threat to the World Heritage Site status of the Tower of London.”
The organization in charge of the Tower of London, Historic Royal Palaces, shared these worries.
Mr. Joshi responded by reiterating the plan’s dedication to safeguarding historical resources while striking a balance with the demands of economic expansion. “In the City, growth and conservation combine to define what is unique about the Square Mile, and this is ultimately at the heart of the Plan,” he stated.
Following the conclusion of the consultation period, the plan will be sent to the communities secretary and examined by a third-party planning inspector. The City of London Corporation anticipates adopting the plan in 2025.
