Mayor strengthens protection for London’s cherished landmarks and historic views

The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson has today delivered on a key campaign pledge by publishing final planning guidance to strengthen the protection given to the historic views of London’s most iconic landmarks and World Heritage Sites.

 The London Views Management Framework will help ensure some of our most cherished landmarks and World Heritage Sites are not obscured or spoilt by development when seen from specific points across the capital. It will also provide greater clarity about what can be built in London's panoramas, river and townscape views. It gives developers and architects much greater certainty over their planning and investment decision making, and will help ensure that new development adds to London's existing built heritage and character.

 The Framework strengthens the rules around 11 established Protected Vistas between St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster and introduces two further Protected Vistas, from Parliament Hill to the Palace of Westminster and from the Serpentine Bridge to the Palace of Westminster.

 The new guidance also provides greater clarity on the protection of central London's World Heritage Sites - the Palace of Westminster, the Tower of London and Greenwich and the view from St James' Park to Horse Guards Parade.

 There have been a number of minor changes to the draft guidance following consultation last summer. The most significant change is greater clarity about the View Management Plans and ensuring that all the widths of the Protected Vistas to St Paul’s are consistent. Developers and planners must carefully consider the height of new buildings that are built within these corridors. 

 The Mayor Boris Johnson said:

 “High quality, well-designed and thoughtfully located new buildings add to the enjoyment of our city and can help London’s economy grow and prosper. However, it is vital that we ensure the new fits with our built heritage so that London continues to be a desirable place to live, work, visit and do business.

 “My final guidance better protects views of some of our most cherished landmarks and London’s World Heritage Sites and it is now much easier to use. I am confident it provides greater certainty for developers on how new buildings can enhance, rather than detract from, some of London’s favourite townscapes and views of the magnificent River Thames and will help deliver a smoother development process.

 Notes to editors

1.  A copy of the draft Revised London View Management Framework can be downloaded at www.london.gov.uk. The framework was first published for consultation last summer, and updated the current guidance from 2007.