Walkie Talkie

The Public Enquiry got under way for the proposed Land Securities Walkie Talkie building in Fenchurch Street.

English Heritage consider there are numerous concerns over the proposed development. Objections were first raised in September 2006 during the planning application. The Corporation of London set aside the alleged detrimental impact the building will have on the Tower of London World Heritage Site.

The 37 Storey building, designed by Rafael Vinoly Architects, has an increasing floor plate as the building rises. The developers believe that there are strong economic reasons for the property to be approved as London is crying out for the extra floor space.

The first day of the enquiry enabled English Heritage to raise it's concerns over the green credentials of the building, citing the alleged 21 million kilowatt hours of electricity a year to keep it cool.

The principal objections raised by English Heritage include the following:

1) the appropriateness of this location for a very tall building;
2) the impact on the Tower of London World Heritage Site;
3) the impact on the skyline of London, including views of St Paul’s Cathedral;
4) the impact of the design on the historic environment; and
5) whether the proposals comply with relevant planning policy.

The Public Enquiry is due to last for two weeks