Key facts
- The Tower of London is at risk of being added to UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger.
- Historic England is seeking changes to the City of London Corporation's draft City Plan 2040.
- The proposed changes concern the location of potential future skyscrapers in the east of the Square Mile.
- The City of London Corporation argues that Historic England's proposals would hinder economic growth.
- Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has intervened, halting the plan's publication for further scrutiny.
- UNESCO has requested a report from the UK Government by February 2027.
The Tower of London faces the risk of being placed on UNESCO's List of World Heritage in Danger unless amendments are made to the City of London Corporation's draft local plan, according to Historic England. The government advisory body has expressed "serious concern" over the potential impact of future skyscrapers in the eastern part of the Square Mile on the historic citadel.
Historic England is advocating for specific changes to the draft City Plan 2040, which outlines where new developments can be permitted near the Tower. These proposed changes aim to create more space between the Tower and the so-called City Cluster of tall buildings. However, the City of London Corporation contends that these alterations would "unduly restrict economic growth" and have a minimal effect on heritage protection, while also impacting investor confidence due to planning uncertainty.
Housing minister Matthew Pennycook has intervened in the dispute, directing inspectors to halt the publication of the plan's report to allow for further consideration of Historic England's suggestions and to conduct additional hearings. The Corporation has consistently emphasized the need for more office space, setting a target of 1.2 million additional square feet by 2040.
Historic England maintains that its proposals are the "minimum response necessary" to protect the World Heritage Site's "Outstanding Universal Value" and would not prevent the City from meeting its office space requirements. UNESCO has requested a report from the UK Government by February 2027 regarding the situation.