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Paddick: I will protect the London skyline
11.03.08
Lib-Dem mayoral candidate Brian Paddick has pledged to protect London's historic skyline from property developers.
He claims that the capital's striking views are at risk following changes made by Ken Livingstone to allow more tower blocks.
Mr Paddick said he would not approve applications for buildings which damaged the traditional view lines - and would direct councils to do the same.
"The Mayor has eroded the protection of our historic views," he said. "I will restore the full protection which Ken has eroded to the benefit not of Londoners but of his property developer friends."
Reader views (6)
What exactly is beautiful about London. It is a mish-mash of many different peoples, styles & fashions which shows in its architecture.
London was not built between 1850-1900 it has developed for centuries & will continue to develop. When will people realise London is not some Victorian time capsule with new building happening everywhere, some of variable quality, some of high quality. At least with high rise developments they come under much higher scrutiny than low rise buildings. As a result the high rise schemes are generally of a much higher standard than the low rise dross that is filling London.
Its funny how no one seems to be bothered at the low rise, poor quality architecture yet immediately tops on a heritage cap some over 50 feet is proposed. London, like most cities in the world will continue to develop & that development will be whatever the architectural style of the day, which at the moment is vey much contemporary & modern. Until the next stage in architecture style & evolution is neo-Victorian you will be in an awfully long wait.
- P Smith, London
Ken Livingston is presiding over a development free for all.
It’s the job of the mayor to protect London’s identity amongst other things,
which sometimes means saying no to prevent negative impacts on views and heritage..
So well said Brian Paddick.
- Michael Salkeld, London
I'm not sure why Mr Paddick wants to 'save' the London skyline in its current state, a state which has been constantly in flux since the Romans arrived. It's hardly the most beautiful sight as it stands, a mishmash of gap toothed skyscrapers and stumpy buildings with their height curtailed by the heritage body that are neither inspiring to the eye nor soaring enough to provide landmarks.
Historic views only exist because the developers of the time had the vision to actually create inspiring tall architecture, and didn't feel the need to lop off a few storeys to appease heritage bodies meaning the aesthetic becomes completely mediocre, resulting in a flawed building, and a dull, insipid museum city.
- Darren, Queens Park, UK
Too right. Ken is too busy pandering to the whims and egos of his skyscraper-crazed City chums. We need someone who will protect what is beautiful about London. What about a planned programme of demolition to get rid of the worst post-War eyesores too? That would get my vote.
- Robert C, Kilburn, London
Sounds great, somebody has to take an interest to SAVE London!
Perhaps Mr Paddick will also urgently look into what Lambeth are currently planning to do with the skyline in the Telford Park Conservation Area.
What's the point of even having a Conservation Area if 10 Storey buildings are to be erected within their confines?
- Fraser, Telford Park, UK
Of course Mr Paddick will protect the London skyline. As a liberal democrat he wanders around with his head in the clouds all of the time and he certainly wouldn't want a high-rise to spoil the view.
- N Clegg, Parliament Hill
