New Skyscrapers Near the Tower of London Approved Despite UNESCO Heritage Warnings

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government sided with the City of London Corporation in approving plans for additional skyscrapers on the eastern boundary of the City Cluster, immediately adjacent to the Tower of London World Heritage Site. Historic England had strongly opposed the development, warning that new tall buildings in this location could jeopardise the Tower's UNESCO World Heritage designation by encroaching on protected views from the River Thames, which are considered integral to the site's outstanding universal value. Historic England requested that a 'larger uninterrupted gap of clear sky' be maintained between the Tower and the City Cluster towers. However, the Planning Inspectorate's report concluded that the proposals would still preserve 'visual separation between the Tower and the City Cluster,' and the Minister accepted that conclusion. The City of London argued that blocking the development would forfeit approximately one million square feet of much-needed office space. Tom Sleigh, chair of the City of London planning committee, noted that the Tower of London and the City have 'grown side by side for nearly a millennium.' Historic England acknowledged the decision and said it remained committed to working with the City and other partners to strike a balance between economic growth and heritage protection. The decision was reported on 14 October 2026.