Mayor Of London Unveils Plans To Protect River Views

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has published new guidance plans help protect views of the capital’s most famous landmarks.

The London View Management Framework Supplementary Planning Guidance (SPG) document confirms the precise details of 11 views focused on St Paul's Cathedral, the Tower of London and the Palace of Westminster that have been approved by Government for protection, including a brand new view of the Tower of London across the river from the Queen's Walk in front o City Hall.

"London's landmarks are cherished by Londoners and visitors to this great city," said the Mayor of London Ken Livingstone...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.

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.

These include views from river crossings between Lambeth Bridge and Tower Bridge, Bankside, the South Bank near the National Theatre, Jubilee Gardens and views of the South Bank from Victoria Embankment.