It was just last week that Londonist speculated our new mayor might not be so enthused about the skyscrapers redrawing London's skyline as his predecessor was. Now we have confirmation from the blond-barnetted one himself: he is to demand tougher rules on high rise buildings.
Johnson outlined his views on skyscraper requirements thus:
"They should be buildings of quality, they should be buildings of distinction... I do think we should be protecting strategic views in London, and I do think we should be protecting beautiful, world-famous [landmarks]"
Boris is concerned, firstly, about protecting the capital's historic views, and in particular the "viewing corridors" of St. Paul's and the Palace of Westminster, restrictions on which were eased under Livingstone.
Secondly, as The Times reports, Boris is planning to eschew Ken's "build 'em high and damn the planners" approach - which saw an 83% rise in homes delivered between 2000 and 2007 - in favour of an emphasis on "more family homes with gardens". Well, an Englishman's home is his castle, after all, though how such bucolic dreams will chime with an ever-growing population should be interesting to see.
The Standard, barely able to contain its glee, published a list of buildings that might be under threat. Many are apartment blocks, and Boris will likely be encouraged in his efforts to jam a kravat into the cement mixer by a survey that suggested 84% of people would rather live anywhere than a high-rise building.
In another sign of the changing times at City Hall, there have been suggestions that Labour peer Richard Rogers, currently London's design adviser, would step down from the position. When pressed on Lord Rogers' future, deputy mayor Richard Barnes shot back "I don't know. Do you have a crystal ball?". Rumours that noted architectural bore and foe of tall towers, Prince Charles, will be replacing Lord Rogers in his watchdog role are spurious and, frankly, silly.
Image courtesy of Michael Wailes via the Londonist Flickrpool
