Mayor puts a block on £1bn 'Ugly Sisters' skyscrapers

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He instructed Lambeth council to refuse planning permission for the £1 billion development at Waterloo station. Lambeth's planning committee had been set to approve the scheme, which has been nicknamed the Three Ugly Sisters, by architects Allies & Morrison, last night.

Now developer P&O will have to decide whether to appeal or come up with a new plan.

The Mayor was concerned the towers would have spoilt views of the South Bank, including County Hall and the Royal Festival Hall.

Experts say his decision confirms his commitment to protect London's historic views, one of his main election pledges. The P&O plans involved the demolition of Elizabeth House, an eyesore office block next to the station in York Road.

Two of the towers were to be office blocks, one of 27 storeys, the other 22. The third "staggered" tower would have reached 33 storeys and contained 274 flats, only 17 per cent of which would have been "affordable".

There would also have been shops and restaurants, " public realm improvements" and new pedestrian access to the station.

David Hudson of P&O Estates said: "We are looking forward to working with the Mayor's team to resolve issues and bring forward this crucial phase of the regeneration of the South Bank."

The Mayor has extensive powers to intervene in planning applications and must be consulted on all applications of major strate gic importance - skyscrapers are a key example - and can veto them, irrespective of the wishes of local authorities.