The Tulip skyscraper proposed for construction in the Square Mile would breach the Mayor’s planning rules, City Hall officials said today.
The 1,000ft building, right, would sit alongside the Gherkin and be the tallest in the City.
Architects Foster + Partners want to create the capital’s highest viewing platform at the tip of a concrete and glass tower in St Mary Axe.
They have proposed eight floors of attractions, including a bar, restaurants and a “classroom in the sky”.
Lord Foster, the practice’s founder, said the Tulip was “in the spirit of London as a progressive, forward-thinking city”.
But the proposals were today criticised by the Greater London Authority for failing to allow public access to the viewing areas and causing “significant harm” to protected views of the Tower of London.
In a 15-page assessment, Greater London Authority planners said the draft proposals breached the London Plan, the Mayor’s blueprint for the capital, and would “cause harm to the historic environment”.
They said the height — one foot taller than the proposed 1 Undershaft building also in the City — was “unjustified” and the 837ft concrete “stem” would appear “incongruous”.
There was also criticism of a “poor quality pedestrian environment” and insufficient cycle racks.
One planning expert not linked to the application told the Evening Standard: “It is clear there are considerable hurdles to overcome if this is to stand any chance of getting approval from the GLA.”
The Mayor is able to “call in” the application from the City of London Corporation because the building exceeds 500ft. He has the power to grant or refuse permission.
The London Plan requires tall buildings to include “free to enter” public areas.
According to the GLA, visitors other than schoolchildren being taught in the “classroom in the sky” would have to pay an entrance fee or book a restaurant table to enjoy the view.
The proposal had already sparked concern from London City Airport, which was concerned about a potential impact on its radar systems, as well as Historic England.
A GLA spokesman said: “The Mayor recognises that there are a range of views regarding this application. He will consider the scheme on its merits in due course.”
A spokeswoman for The Tulip project said: “We are pleased to see that the Mayor of London considers the use of a visitor attraction as complementing the City.
“We welcome the detailed technical comments by GLA officers and, as part of the ongoing planning process, we will continue to work closely with the City of London Corporation and the GLA to resolve those matters raised and to improve the package of public benefits associated with the Tulip.”
