Reprieve for City developers as government clears path for tall buildings near the Tower of London

Office developers in the City of London are breathing a sigh of relief after the government’s decision to clear the way for high-rise schemes near the Tower of London.

Housing minister Matthew Pennycook halted the Square Mile’s City Plan 2040 in June just weeks before it was due to be adopted following concerns raised by Historic England over the heritage impact of tall buildings on the World Heritage Site.

But Pennycook has now withdrawn his direction with immediate effect after the Planning Inspectorate concluded that the setting of the Tower would be protected.

Pennycook said the plan “clearly demonstrates a thorough and considered assessment of the balance involved in facilitating essential economic growth, while mitigating the risk of potential harm to precious heritage assets”. 

The City is aiming to diversify the Square Mile’s economy by providing 1.2 million sq m of additional office space by 2040 along with more leisure, retail and cultural space.

The document also sets out guidelines for building heights in the City’s eastern cluster of high-rise office buildings, which are within sight lines of the Tower of London. 

The plan proposes increasing the height limit for buildings on the southern side of the cluster, an area which is currently undergoing significant development with several tall buildings recently approved or in planning.

The City Corporation will now progress towards adoption of the strategy before the end of the year following the release of the Inspectorate’s final report, which is expected in the coming weeks.

Policy chairman of the City of London Corporation Chris Hayward described the government’s decision as an “outstanding result for the City, for London and for the wider UK economy”. 

He said: “The independent Planning Inspectorate has recognised that it is possible to protect one of our nation’s most important heritage assets while still supporting the growth our country needs.

“We are grateful to the Housing Minister for his swift consideration of this matter and for acting decisively. This decision brings us another important step closer to adopting City Plan 2040, which will provide the certainty needed to support future investment, jobs and ensure the Square Mile remains one of the world’s leading business destinations.”

The City’s Planning and Transportation Committee chairman Tom Sleigh added: “This was never a choice between the Tower of London and jobs. The City was here first. William the Conqueror started his tower in 1078 in the corner of a city already a thousand years old, and the two have grown side by side ever since.

“Independent inspectors have now tested the plan and agreed: the Tower is protected and the City has room to grow. Credit to our planning, design and heritage officers, whose work this was. Now we adopt the plan and get on with building.”

Historic England has been contacted for comment.