An influential committee of MPs has slated the Mayor of London’s argument that tall buildings are essential for urban renaissance.
The Urban Transport, Local Government & the Regions Committee’s report on tall buildings, said: “Towers are not an essential part of the urban renaissance and are not needed to curb urban sprawl.”
The report, published today, claims that developers can achieve high density offices and housing in medium and low rise schemes in urban centres without building high.
Andrew Bennett MP, chairman of the committee said: “Tall buildings are often more about power, prestige, status and aesthetics than efficient development.”
The report also calls for another tier to be added to the planning system, specifically to deal with tall buildings.
The committee calls on central Government to issue planning guidance for local authorities considering applications for high rise schemes.
Bennett said: “The increase in proposals for tall buildings, and the campaign in their favour led by prominent architects and political figures such as the London mayor, only underlines the need for a national policy advice to local authorities.”
The report added: ‘We were not convinced that tall buildings are essential for the future of London as a global financial centre.
“There appears to be considerable room for additional office space in central London”.
EGi News 04/09/02
