The public inquiry into Land Securities’ Walkie Talkie tower began this morning.
The 525 ft Rafael Vinoly-designed tower on 20 Fenchurch Street, EC3, is being considered at a two-week long inquiry.
Secretary of State Ruth Kelly called in the scheme to look at the appropriateness of the location for a very tall building, the impact on the Tower of London World Heritage Site, the impact on the skyline of London, the impact on the historic environment and whether the proposals comply with relevant planning policy.
Robert McCracken QC, who is representing English Heritage, said: “EH is firmly opposed to this development. It will be inappropriate in mass and form and is fundamentally flawed in design. It would not be an exemplar, it would be a retrograde step.”
However, in its opening submission, the City of London Corporation defended its decision for giving the scheme the go-ahead last year.
It said that “a new landmark of outstanding design…decisively outweighs the harm to heritage assets”.
LandSec pointed out that architectural watchdog CABE is supporting its scheme and that its architect Rafael Vinoly is “one of the world’s most gifted architects”.
Vinoly, who is one of LandSec’s witnesses, provides evidence in favour of the scheme this afternoon. He will then be cross-examined by EH.
Russell Harris QC is representing LandSec; Christopher Lockhart-Mummery QC is representing the Corporation.
