During the last campaign for Mayor of London, the then Tory Mayoral candidate Boris Johnson has made in plain that he will oppose tower developments in suburban locations. He said: “When I look at some of the plans for the 27 phallocratic towers that Ken wants to erect in the suburbs, I wonder whether we have learned anything from the experience of the last 50 years.”
According to an article in the Evening Standard last May:
11 out of 21 proposed towers in London are at risk of being vetoed by the new Mayor, and three supported by local councils could be kicked out after public inquiries amid growing concern that tall buildings are blighting the London skyline. A further seven, including the ‘Walkie-Talkie’ at Fenchurch Street, were given planning permission before Mr Johnson was elected and he can’t overturn this.
Mr Johnson has warned he will not approve skyscrapers if residents are opposed to them and today confirmed he will redraw the planned skyline as a matter of priority.
In addition, his new planning adviser is Sir Simon Milton, former head of Westminster council who fought off a succession of skyscrapers in central London, including Victoria station.
The Mayor has the power to veto any project before it has been given planning permission.
So therefore we are all strongly advised to let them know our views!
