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Camden New Journal - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 31 May 2007

The view from Parliement Hill

Leave room for a view of St Paul’s, Ken urged

THE cityscape viewed from Parliament Hill could be transformed following changes to zones protecting some of London’s best-known landmarks.
Communities and Environment Minister Ruth Kelly last week handed over regional planning powers to London Mayor Ken Livingstone and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
Part of the package included changes to guidelines covering the building of skyscrapers in areas that may affect views of landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster.
Under the changes, the 300-metre protected space restricting the height of buildings either side of Wren’s dome has been cut to 210 metres.
Heath and Hampstead Society patron Sir Simon Jenkins, who lives in Primrose Hill, said he believed high-rise developments should be kept to east London.
He said: “It is sad when anything detracts from familiar views in London.
“The pepper-potting of the skyline in London is a mistake. High buildings used to be built to the east of St Paul’s to ensure the views were kept. I would like to see this continue.”
Society chairman Tony Hillier said he felt the transfer of planning powers to Mr Livingstone had been done in a “sneaky” way. He added: “The GLA want more skyscrapers and part of this is redefining the geometry of the views from places such as Parliament Hill. It is important we watch the effect any developments may have on this view.
“The relentless drive to change London’s skyline with skyscrapers continues. An English Heritage survey a few years ago showed public opinion to be opposed to this trend.
“We are worried that it now gives too much scope for office blocks to ruin views from places like Parliament Hill.”
He added that the society had spoken with other civic groups and was calling on people to lobby councils and bodies such as the Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment and English Heritage when planning applications were made for high-rise buildings.
Mr Hillier said: “They still retain some consultation rights to restrain philistine developers. We are not confident we can rely on the Mayor to do so.”
A GLA spokesman said: “It is absolutely wrong to imply that the view of St Paul’s from Parliament Hill will be threatened.
“ The changes to viewing corridors of St Paul’s, agreed by the Secretary of State after consultation, will in no way detract from people’s enjoyment of this most famous London landmark.
“The viewing corridors were changed to allow sensible development to proceed, meeting the need for new housing and jobs created by London’s growth while ensuring that no buildings will come in front of St. Paul’s.”

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