A letter from Michael Welbank, Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, City of London Corporation, in response to the Evening Standard (21 July) piece by Sir Simon Jenkins: Proof that the City and the Mayor don’t care about the skyline

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Sir,

The development of the City’s skyline is a concern for the Square Mile in our approach to planning policy (21 July, ‘Proof that the City and Mayor don’t care about the skyline’). This was clearly set out in the City of London’s Local Plan published earlier this year.

Contrary to what Simon Jenkins asserts, this is certainly not unzoned and unplanned - indeed it represents an exemplar of a “clustering” policy for tall buildings, and can make a positive contribution to the existing character of the City and beyond.

Further developments will be needed in the coming years to meet the continued demand for office space and an ever growing workforce.

However, these applications for tall buildings are heavily scrutinised as they need to enhance the City’s landscape. The Eastern Cluster presents fewer constraints to tall buildings as long as they are they grouped together forming a varied skyline and add to the cultural strengths of the City.

Protecting the distinctive element of the City’s skyline is always at the forefront of the City of London Corporation’s mind when assessing applications.

Michael Welbank

Chairman of the Planning and Transportation Committee, City of London Corporation