The charity that manages the Tower of London has called for Foster & Partners’ Tulip tower proposals to be rejected because of their impact on the nearby landmark, which is a Unesco World Heritage Site.

Historic Royal Palaces said the plans for a 305m tourist attraction next to Foster’s 30 St Mary Axe – more commonly known as the Gherkin, would be “extremely damaging” to the setting of the Tower and that its “eminence as an iconic, internationally famous monument” would be challenged in particular views.

In addition to objecting to the proposals, the charity – which also manages Hampton Court Palace and the Banqueting House in Whitehall – said local planning authority the City of London should give Unesco the opportunity to offer its views before it determines the application.

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