CABE and English Heritage (EH) have dropped the “viability” clause in their latest guidance notes for local councils dealing with tall buildings applications.
The clause enabled councils to reject schemes on the grounds of not being economically viable and formed the basis of one of EH’s main arguments against the Heron Tower.
Speaking to EGi News after launching the guidelines at MIPIM, CABE chief executive Jon Rouse said:
“It is none of our business to second-guess developers. They are in a better position to judge whether a scheme is viable or not than we are.
“We want to focus on the quality of the design and the appropriateness of the location.”
This latest document is the final version of guidelines produced by CABE and EH shortly before the two organisations clashed at the planning inquiry into the Heron Tower in 2001.
CABE supported Gerald Ronson’s application to build the 42-storey tower, while EH opposed it.
The guidance also lays down the criteria by which CABE and EH will judge a tall building and compels councils to identify appropriate areas for tall buildings in local plans.
Other amendments to the draft guidance include the addition of a “means of escape” clause, added after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center in New York. The clause will oblige developers and architects to design reliable escape routes for staff.
As well as being a best practice guide for councils, the guidance will be adopted by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister as a material consideration in assessing planning applications – essentially making it government guidance.
Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage, said: “This should ensure that, in the future, tall buildings come forward as part of a planned exercise in place making rather than in an ad hoc speculative way.”
References: EGi News 04/03/03
