Preservationists are calling for buffer zones around the city's heritage sites, which could upset Mayor Ken Livingstone's plans to spur urban regeneration with new high-rise buildings.
"Preservationists in Great Britain are backing stronger planning powers that would affect the look-and height-of London's future buildings. In March, the government released its White Paper on Heritage, which called for creating development buffer zones around 27 World Heritage sites, including the Tower of London and the Houses of Parliament. It followed closely on the heels of calls from UNESCO to prevent skyscraper construction near heritage sites that are at risk from rising sea levels and other effects of climate change.
Among the towers that could be affected by an exclusion zone is Rafael Viñoly's so-called "Walkie-Talkie," a 630-foot-tall skyscraper that Land Securities seeks to develop near the Tower of London."
"Ken Livingstone, London's mayor, has no objections to the tower's height. But the White Paper proposals, which could become law this year, create a dilemma for him. Livingstone promotes skyscraper construction as a tool for encouraging urban revitalization. Indeed, other legislation currently making its way through Parliament would expand his power to intervene and promote buildings that he personally favors."
FULL STORY: London's Sky Gateway Could be Closed

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails
Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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