| |
Mayor Boris won’t change London views for anyone!
TWO of the best views of the Houses of Parliament have been protected by the Mayor of London.
Tough new planning regulations mean developers will not be allowed to construct tall buildings in two of the capital’s most spectacular “viewing corridors” from across the Serpentine in Hyde Park and from the top of Parliament Hill in north London.
The London View Management Framework, published this week, updates the current guidance and tightens regulations inherited from Ken Livingstone in 2007 and significantly increases the protection of the 10 other established views.
Councils cannot approve a building within these corridors which obstructs views of the Houses of Parliament and St Paul’s Cathedral and are unable to allow a development that might damage a landmark “by unacceptably imposing on it or by creating an intrusive element in the view’s foreground or middle ground”.
The new rules also provide better protection of central London’s world heritage sites – the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London and the view from St James’s Park to Horse Guards Parade.
Planning developments that have already been approved will not be affected.
Mayor Boris Johnson said: “We are privileged to enjoy a fabulous architectural heritage history as we go about our daily lives, whether crossing one of the Thames bridges, walking along its banks, or from a higher, distant vantage point. We must protect those views at all costs.
“This new guidance will help ensure that new development fits in with that built heritage and show how new buildings can enhance rather than detract from some of our favourite views.
“By removing uncertainty it will also help speed up the planning and development process and help drive London’s economy forward. |
 |
|
|
| |
| |
