The Tower of London is set to be surrounded by new skyscrapers

Built 960 years ago under the instruction of William the Conqueror, there was a time when the Tower of London (specifically its central White Tower) was the tallest building in the capital city. But its reign was short-lived. In the centuries since, the monument has been utterly dwarfed by churches, palaces, cathedrals and more than 100 skyscrapers. But there has always been an uninterrupted gap in the skyline that has allowed the Tower of London to still be admired from afar. 

There were fears that those views of the Tower would be at risk due to new skyscrapers planned for the surrounding area over the next 16 years. But now, the City of London has won a battle to have those skyscrapers approved. 

The City has just been given permission to erect more skyscrapers nearby the Tower of London, despite campaigners arguing that they could put its UNESCO World Heritage status at risk. Based on findings from the Planning Inspectorate, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government gave the green light to proposals to build more towers on the eastern boundary of the Square Mile.

Prior to the plans being approved, Historic England pointed out that the Tower of London’s status as a World Heritage site partly rests on the view of it from the River Thames. It urged for the plan to be changed, stating that a ‘larger uninterrupted gap of clear sky’ was needed in order to preserve the views of the Tower. It wanted any new City buildings to lean away from the World Heritage Site. 

That wasn’t enough to block the proposals. The City of London warned that if its proposal was rejected, it would result in around 1 million square ft less of much-needed office space being built. And in a letter published on September 24, the Planning Inspectorate said: ‘We are not persuaded that the Historic England contours would result in a materially different heritage outcome from that achieved by the City Plan contours.’ It added that it was satisfied that there would still be ‘visual separation between the Tower and the City Cluster’. 

Tom Sleigh, chair of City of London’s planning and transportation committee  said: ‘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.’

Historic England said: ‘We acknowledge the minister’s decision and we remain committed to working constructively with all partners to achieve an appropriate balance between supporting economic growth and protecting London’s internationally significant historic environment.’

ICYMI: The Tower of London is getting a £70 million revamp with areas opening to the public for the first time. 

Plus: The Tower of London is launching special new early morning tours. 

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