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Tallest building in City of London gets go-ahead despite objection

Xinhua, November 29, 2016 Adjust font size:

The go-ahead was given Monday for what will be the tallest building in the City of London.

The 73-storey building, towering to a height of 305 meters, won approval despite a protest from the Royal Palaces because of the impact it will have on the iconic Tower of London, a UNESCO world heritage site.

The decision was made by the planning committee of the City of London Corporation, with London mayor Sadiq Khan signalling he backed the multi-million-dollar project.

The development, being masterminded by Singaporean developer Aroland Holdings, has been dubbed the 'Trellis Tower' for its criss-cross facade. Most of the building is to be used as office space.

"It would provide a significant increase in flexible office accommodation, supporting the strategic objective of the City of London Corporation to promote the city as the leading international financial and business center," a report to the city corporation members said.

There were also objections over the proposed demolition of historic buildings that would have to be torn down to make way for the new scheme, currently known as 1 Undershaft, London.

The original plan would have seen a taller building constructed, but it was reduced to take into account aircraft approaching London City Airport.

Planners said the proposal would neither obstruct views nor harm the setting nor the significance of the Tower of London or St. Paul's Cathedral.

Architect Eric Parry said the scheme represented the very best of British architecture and would set new standards for the City of London in terms of comfort, quality, and environmental sustainability.

Parry said: "It is a vote of confidence in the City of London. 1 Undershaft will crown the cluster of tall buildings and will be a tower London can be truly proud of." Endit