A row has broken out over plans for a new 42-storey London skyscraper which could ruin the view of St Paul’s Cathedral.
St Paul's claims it was not consulted before Manhattan Loft Gardens received planning permission to build the tower.
It is feared the skyscraper in Stratford, east London, would mar the view of the magnificent 17th century landmark seen from King Henry’s Mound in Richmond Park.
Conservationists have pleaded with the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to step in to block the plan.
The building would house a 145-bedroom hotel, nearly 250 flats, three large sky gardens and shops and restaurants.
The Friends of Richmond Park charity said the development has broken planning rules which state any building seen nearby should be “subordinate to the cathedral” and sky surrounds the upper part of the dome.
Oliver Caroe, St Paul’s surveyor, said the cathedral was not notified or consulted on the 2011 planning application, the Guardian reported.
He said: “We are privileged in this generation to play our part, with others who are concerned for the built environment, in safeguarding Sir Christopher Wren’s visionary landmark which contributes so enduringly to our identity as a city and society.”
He said it is “reasonable” for authorities to be concerned about the tower, which is designed by SOM.
He said: “We have been advised that the policy is expressly to safeguard the clear skyline view of the landmark and there is no limit to the distance behind the dome of the cathedral where the wider setting consultation area ceases to apply.”
But a Manhattan Loft Corporation spokesperson said the protected view area only covers 3km (1.86 miles) behind St Paul’s and the new tower is 7km (4.35 miles) away.
She said SOM has a long history of working with the St Paul’s view corridors and planning documents.
Ron Crompton, chairman of the Friends of Richmond Park, wrote to the London mayor to look into how planning permission was granted.
