City ‘Tulip’ tower vetoed by Sadiq Khan

Plans to build a 300m-high skyscraper called “the Tulip” in the City of London have been rejected by London mayor Sadiq Khan. The tower, designed by Foster + Partners, would have been the second tallest in western Europe. However, its design was not considered to be suitable for such a prime location. Khan said: “The proposed development, by virtue of its height, form, design and appearance, would not constitute the very highest quality of design required for a tall building in this location.” Under article 6 of the Mayor of London Order, Khan has the power to grant or deny permission to planning applications from London’s boroughs that are referred to him. “It would be detrimental to the character and composition of the existing tall building cluster, the wider skyline of London and the public space surrounding the site,” the refusal continued. In its assessment of the building for Khan, the London Review Panel said that it “is unable to support the Tulip because it does not think it represents world-class architecture, it lacks sufficient quality and quantity of public open space, and its social and environmental sustainability do not match the ambition of its height and impact on London’s skyline.” The City of London’s planning committee gave the go-ahead for the Tulip in April. The tower would have been erected next to the Safra Group’s other London landmark, the Gherkin. [gallery type="slideshow" size="large" link="file" ids="974496,974497,974498,974499,974500,974501,974502,974503,974513,974514" orderby="rand"] To send feedback, e-mail anna.ward@egi.co.uk or tweet @annaroxelana or @estatesgazette Photos: Foster + Partners