Jul 23 2007
Mayor of London Ken Livingstone has published Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) which details how important views of London landmarks should be protected and managed.
The planning guidance `London View Management Framework’ provides additional clarity and detail to those sections of the London Plan that deal with London’s designated strategic views. It confirms the precise details of 11 views that have been approved by Government for protection, including a brand new view of the Tower of London from the south bank of the Thames. All parties involved in development within these 11 viewing corridors must take account of this guidance to ensure the landmarks within them are not obscured from stipulated viewing points.
The planning guidance also introduces 17 riverside and other panoramic views that were never before recognised under the previous view protection arrangements. The 17 panoramas are protected in a slightly different way, with development only permitted where it enhances the view and complements the existing landmarks.
The guidance provides a sensible balance between the need for new homes and jobs that are needed in our growing capital and the benefit for Londoners and visitors alike of seeing our landmarks and historic sites from key sites across the capital.
Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, said:
`London’s landmarks are cherished by Londoners and visitors to this great city. At present too much uncertainty surrounds the planning process and how we protect these views, leading to expensive public inquiries and costly delays. Together, the London Plan and this guidance will provide much-needed certainty for developers and planners. For the first time, this will help everyone to take a balanced view of development proposals, their impact on London’s major landmarks and their contribution to the capital’s character and identity. As a result, we can all look forward to development across London that marries high quality design whilst protecting our historic built environment. This will allow London to remain a competitive world city by developing in a dynamic, organic manner without inappropriate restraints.’