City plan changes sought to protect Tower of London

The Tower of London could be placed on UNESCO’s World Heritage in Danger list unless the City of London Corporation changes its draft planning rules, Historic England has warned.

The government advisory body has raised “serious concern” about the potential impact of high-rise buildings planned for the eastern part of the Square Mile. It wants amendments to the Corporation’s draft City Plan 2040 governing where new developments can be built near the historic citadel.

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at risk

Historic England said its proposed changes would not stop the City from meeting its target for additional office space. The organisation described the amendments as “justified” and “the minimum response necessary” to protect the World Heritage Site.

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serious concern

The Corporation has rejected that assessment, saying the proposed restrictions would “unduly restrict economic growth”. Chris Hayward, its policy chairman and political head, told inspectors that the delay had already stalled projects and damaged investor confidence. “Uncertainty in the planning system is a drag on economic growth, investment and infrastructure delivery,” he said. “In the City, where schemes are complex, constrained and require significant upfront investment, that doubt is especially damaging.”

The draft City Plan 2040 has been under development for years. The Corporation says the City needs more offices and has set a minimum target of 1.2 million additional square feet by 2040. In June, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook ordered inspectors to pause publication of their report, hold further hearings and examine Historic England’s concerns. Historic Royal Palaces supported the heritage body’s position, while Tower Hamlets Council said the proposed changes would reduce potential harm but considered the Corporation’s plan adequate alongside other safeguards. Inspectors are expected to send a letter to the Corporation, signed by the housing minister, setting out the next stage.

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Uncertainty in the planning system is a drag on economic growth, investment and infrastructure delivery. In the City, where schemes are complex, constrained and require significant upfront investment, that doubt is especially damaging.