Time for an overhaul of the London View Management Framework?

London's skyline has changed dramatically over the past two decades with the continuing rise of tall buildings to meet employment and housing needs. 

CT Research 

Research carried out by CT in 2024 demonstrates the public have embraced tall buildings as a positive addition to London’s skyline. A net 50% consider tall buildings in clusters are a sensible approach; even a net 58% of those who oppose them agree they are best grouped in clusters. There is even support for individual buildings that act as landmarks with Renzo Piano’s Shard chosen as the public’s favourite. Design is cited as an important factor and high-quality buildings are more likely to be supported particularly if they provide more affordable housing or employment opportunities. We also found members of the public are more likely to support tall buildings if they result in more green space or better public realm; an agenda led by the City of London Corporation who have negotiated significant improvements to their public realm, making it a more attractive environment as the City competes globally for blue chip firms to locate in London. Tall buildings also reduce car dependency and make the most of existing infrastructure. 

Going upwards 

As the main driver of wealth for the UK, London needs to continue to grow and it cannot rest on its laurels. The City has to compete with places like New York, Frankfurt, Paris, and Singapore for financial services, tech investment, and global talent. The clustering of offices in the City and Canary Wharf is not merely aesthetic but economically vital. It allows thousands of workers to operate within walking distance of each other, fostering collaboration and networking that drives innovation; something that cannot be duplicated via lone working as firms encourage their staff to come back to the office. They also generate footfall that supports our long-suffering retail and hospitality sector as well as vibrancy to our streets. 

The LVMF 

The London View Management Framework (LVMF), first published in 2007, regulates development to protect key panoramas and townscape views of landmark buildings like St Paul's Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster. Whilst taller buildings have worked around the framework, its 27 strategic views are starting to strangle the opportunities for growth in London, particularly in the City. Factor in the setting of conservation areas and listed buildings, options start to diminish very quickly. 

Wriggling Up 

The LVMF does not just address the location of tall buildings. The retention and investment in aging stock can frequently be dependent on adding an additional storey to the building to meet the upgrade works. Over the last 40 years London’s buildings have wriggled upwards adding much needed floorspace in sustainable locations whilst respecting the setting of heritage assets. However, some locations have now reached the ceiling where any addition breaks into the protected views and the wriggle room is lost. Repurposing and refurbishing existing buildings provide little growth; it is additional floorspace that is required. 

Overall, CT research shows there is greater acceptance from the public for tall buildings. The City of London’s tall building zone is filling up so where will future tall buildings land? The LVMF has served its purpose well, but it is time for an overhaul and refinement of the protected views so we can plan for the next generation of tall buildings find that wriggle room we need for existing assets.