In November 2018, Foster and Partners proposed a controversial 305.3 meter tall tower, to be built alongside the Gherkin in London in the shape of a tulip.
Early this year, the Greater London Authority planners found the tower failed to follow the London Plan for a number of reasons outlined in their report, including “harming” the views of the Tower of London and a proposed entrance fee. The London Plan calls for free access to public areas in tall buildings, and is used as guidance for developments and land use within the capital. The impact of future buildings upon the Tower of London is also considered, particularly with regards to developments that might threaten its UNESCO World Heritage status.
In April, the City of London Corporation gave approval for the tower after several conditions were met, such as restricting ticket sales during peak hours, but Sadiq Khan raised a number of concerns in a London Review Panel Report, some of which echoed the concerns raised by the Greater London Authority Planners. Since this time, Khan has advised CLC planners to reject the proposal for the tower based on the issues highlighted by the panel.
Duncan Wilson, Chief Executive of Historic England, had previously appealed directly to the City of London planning committee to reject the Tulip developer’s application. Historic England has since stated that they are pleased that the Mayor recognized the impact the tower would have had on London’s skyline and the views of the Tower of London.