The Tower of London is at 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 experts. Historic England, a government advisory body, has expressed "serious concern" regarding the iconic citadel due to the potential scale of future skyscrapers planned for the east of the City.
Historic England is seeking changes to the draft City Plan 2040 concerning the permitted locations for new developments near the Tower. The City of London Corporation, however, argues that these proposed alterations would impede economic growth and offer minimal benefit to heritage preservation. The Corporation has maintained for years that increased office space is necessary to meet demand, setting a target of an additional 1.2 million square feet by 2040.
In June, Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook intervened, directing inspectors to pause the report's publication. This pause is intended to allow for consideration of Historic England's suggestions and to arrange further hearings scrutinizing the potential impacts on the Tower of London. Historic England stated in a written submission that its proposed modifications would not prevent the City from meeting its office floor space requirements. The organization asserts that its position is justified and represents the minimum necessary action to safeguard the World Heritage Site.
