Less is best for revised St Paul's office scheme

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Plans have been submitted by developers St Martins for a new block that will wrap around one side of the 17thcentury cathedral as part of a new scheme to provide high street shops and office space for City workers.

The new block will only be six storeys high - the height limit of current planning regulations around the cathedral.

And in addition to clearing the cathedral's historical sight lines, the £35 million proposal will also create a covered area - the size of a tennis court - for people entering and leaving St Paul's Tube station.

Architect John McAslan told the Standard: "The existing building was built before the St Paul's heights policy came in and took effect and is two storeys too high.

"The new design lowers the level and also cantilevers over the station concourse to provide shelter.

"In addition, we are realigning the exit to the station so that it faces the cathedral itself, rather than facing Newgate Street".

Critics, including supporters of Prince Charles, have attacked the design by the man the Prince called "that steel and glass man" for being out of harmony with Sir Christopher Wren's 17th-century masterpiece.

Classical architect Robert Adam described the scheme as "a dinosaur" and a "lumpy glass box".

But Mr McAslan said it is the first step in a scheme which aims to link St Paul's to the Bank of England by redeveloping Cheapside as a thriving new working and shopping hub.

The plans, which will be decided by the Corporation in May, are also backed by English Heritage which welcomes the reduction in height of the main building.

A City insider said the Corporation was also keen to see the St Paul's skyline-cleared, while at the same time respond to the demand by City workers and companies for better offices, shops and facilities.

The source said: "Cheapside as a whole is undergoing the greatest redevelopment since the Blitz. It will bring a shopping experience in the style of Marylebone High Street to the heart of the world's leading financial centre".