English Heritage slams Viñoly icon as ‘oppressive’

23 February 2007

English Heritage has condemned Viñoly’s walkie talkie scheme for the City of London as “oppressive and overwhelming” in evidence submitted to next month’s public inquiry.

The heritage body has taken an unexpectedly hard line over the scheme, which has been praised by Cabe as extraordinary and was given planning permission by the City last September.

Its stance has shocked observers because EH did not ask for the scheme to be taken to public inquiry, and so was not expected to object.

In its evidence, to be presented by former staffer Paul Drury, EH says: “The result [of Viñoly’s proposal] would be an oppressive and overwhelming form that would have an uncomfortable relationship with the surrounding historic streets, buildings and spaces.”

Crucially, it argues that the tower would affect views of the Tower of London World Heritage Site, 500m away. It adds that the impact would be exacerbated by the “disturbing, attention seeking form of the proposed building”.

20 Fenchurch Street complies with all the current building and planning policies from the Mayor, the City, Cabe, central government and EH itself. The public garden on the top of the building, to be accessed via a dedicated lift, has been described by a source close to Cabe as “extraordinary… offering the public unrivalled views of London and the World Heritage Site”.

But, in an unprecedented move thought to have been prompted by Unesco’s active interest in development near World Heritage Sites, communities secretary Ruth Kelly called in the scheme late last year. It has come to inquiry in a matter of months — which is again very unusual, and suggests that she would like to make the decision herself before the Cabinet reshuffle expected in July.

“What’s baffling about this is that no one referred the case, and we are not aware of any other major development that has had a call-in without a referral,” said Land Sec’s London managing director Mike Hussey.

He declined to comment further before the public inquiry, but did speculate that Unesco’s apparent campaign against tall buildings had influenced Kelly and EH. The international body last year warned both London and Liverpool that they could be stripped of world heritage site status if development threatened key views (News February 9).

A Cabe source praised the design as “extraordinary”, and suggested it would contribute more to its surroundings than some other schemes built in the past few years such as Foster’s 30 St Mary Axe and Ian Simpson’s Beetham Tower in Manchester.

“The strength of the architectural experience of the City stems from the excitement of dramatic contrasts and changes of scale. This extraordinary design would enhance a vibrant world city, driven by a dynamic, thriving commercial economy,” said the source.

EH is increasingly concerned about the plethora of proposed towers and is understood to want to win a high-profile case in order to make its point.

Get the latest stories first with BD newsletters. Click to signup
							WHAT ARE THESE?

| DISCUSS IN BD'S FORUM | SUBSCRIBE TO BD

---

We want to hear from you
You can be as critical or controversial as you like, but please don't get personal or offensive, and do keep it brief and relevant. Remember this is for feedback and constructive discussion!
Comments may be edited if they do not meet these guidelines.

Tell us what you think

You must fill in all fields marked *

Story date 23 February, 2007

This field is for security, please leave blank.

Your Name*

Your Email*

Comment*