Foster & Partners’ controversial Tulip tourist attraction is being recommended for approval – despite objections over its impact on the grade I-listed Tower of London and the City’s narrow streets.

Papers published ahead of next week’s meeting of the City of London’s planning and transportation committee urge the corporation’s decision makers to approve the 305m scheme, arguing that its advantages outweigh its impacts and that its “bold and striking” design is iconic.

In addition to Historic England, Tower of London manager Historic Royal Palaces, the mayor of London Sadiq Khan, the Bevis Marks Synagogue and Tower Hamlets council have voiced concerns over the tower – which is earmarked for a site next to Fosters’ Gherkin and expected to attract 1.2m visitors a year.

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