The UK government yesterday ignored the advice of its own heritage agency by approving the construction of Europe's tallest tower block, dubbed the "shard of glass" designed by architect Renzo Piano.
In a move that will change the skyline of London, the deputy prime minister, John Prescott, has given the go-ahead for the 66-storey London Bridge Tower after a public inquiry. His decision is likely to encourage other tower block developments in the city. Permission was granted after a three-year battle and fervent opposition from English Heritage, which complained that the building would have an "oppressive" impact on London and spoil views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Tower of London. A letter explaining Mr Prescott's decision rejected English Heritage's objections. It said the 305m (1,000ft) tower in Southwark "would stand comfortably in its immediate urban or townscape context". English Heritage expressed its disappointment at the decision. In a statement it said: "We continue to believe that the tower, if it is ever built, would be an inappropriate addition to the skyline in that area." It argued that the decision does not signal a green light for other tall buildings: "All new cases will continue to be considered on their merits against the established policy framework." The skyscraper was designed by the Italian architect Renzo Piano who, together with Britain's Richard Rogers, built the Pompidou Centre in Paris. read full guardian article
