English Heritage Throw Toys Out of Pram

English Heritage Throw Toys Out of Pram

English Heritage have launched an extraordinary attack on Land Securities planned skyscraper for 20 Fenchurch Street in the City of London.

Paul Drury, a former employee of English Heritage has stated in a submission on their behalf that, "The result (of Vinoly's proposal) would be an oppressive and overwhelming form that would have an uncomfortable relationship with the surrounding historic streets, buildings and spaces."

What's so surprising about the stance of English Heritage is that they didn't oppose the building in any way when it was originally going through the planning process but are now attacking it for the "disturbing, attention seeking form of the proposed building".

The problem for English Heritage is they appear to have been forced into the position of opposition by the concerns of UNESCO about skyscrapers in the City of London.

Ironically 20 Fenchurch Street is the least damaging of all the proposals being furthest from the Tower of London as well as the shortest but as it's the only one without approval making it an easy target. Stopping it would be a a victory Pyrrhus would be proud of - the two English Heritage did oppose, Heron Tower and London Bridge Tower are both going ahead.

The planned tower is in the unique position of being called in by the Secretary of State, Ruth Kelly, for a public inquiry despite no-one having referred it. Adding to this unusual situation, is the decision by Kelly herself to fast-track the inquiry, a move that some fear has been taken so she can decide the fate of the building herself before she loses her job in the expected cabinet reshuffle this coming July.

Kelly is no fan of tall buildings or joined up thinking having previously overridden the findings of a public inquiry on Brunswick Quay as well as having campaigned in her capacity as a local M.P against policies she has introduced as a minister.

Despite the unusual form the proposal, affectionately nick-named the Walkie-talkie, has won plaudits from design bodies with the Commission for Architecture and Built Environment praising it. The building is also proposed on a site that already has a tower, and complies fully with all the planning regulations set by every stage of government.

It should be an interesting saga to watch unfold, not least because English Heritage now have to make somersaults of logic at a public inquiry to explain under the examination of lawyers why a building they didn't oppose they now do. It's just like an episode of Yes Minister, but real.

workout dvds
Bobbi Brown brush set