The Greater London Authority has published the draft Revised London View Management Framework Supplementary Planning Guidance (the draft framework). In simple terms, this sets out a strategy to “preserve London’s character and built heritage” by protecting the viewing corridors of key landmarks (such as St Paul’s Cathedral) and World Heritage Sites (such as the Tower of London) through limiting the number of tall buildings across the city.
The draft framework outlines the Mayor of London’s proposals for the London View Management Framework, which will be published later this year. The new framework will replace the 2007 London View Management Framework.
In relation to protected views, the draft framework:
- Introduces a new view, from the top of Parliament Hill to the Palace of Westminster and from Serpentine Bridge to the Palace of Westminster.
- Widens certain existing protected views, including Alexandra Palace to St Paul’s, Parliament Hill to St Paul’s, Primrose Hill to St Paul’s, Greenwich Park to St Paul’s, Blackheath Point to St Paul’s, Westminster Pier to St Paul’s, East side of Parliament Hill to Westminster and Primrose Hill to Westminster.
If the draft framework is implemented, anyone considering development along the viewing corridors will need to assess the “significance, scale and magnitude of effect caused by the proposal’s size, shape or design”.
The consultation period ends on Friday 4 September 2009. The Mayor has invited comments. These should be addressed to him at mayor@london.gov.uk or sent to his office at the GLA.
The impact of the draft framework may already be being felt. It has been reported that the redevelopment of 4 Broadgate, next to Liverpool Street station, may have to be reconsidered because of the proposed widening of sight lines.
The impact of the draft framework may already be being felt. It has been reported that the redevelopment of 4 Broadgate, next to Liverpool Street station, may have to be reconsidered because of the proposed widening of sight lines.