Boris Overrules Tower Hamlets On Columbus Tower

Boris Overrules Tower Hamlets On Columbus Tower

Published on 08-10-2009 by Skyscrapernews.com
Boris Johnson has given the thumbs up to the Columbus Tower in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets despite the opposition of the local council and English Heritage, both of whom found themselves faced off against the scheme because of the potential impact it could have on the West India Quay conservation zone.

The 237 metre tall tower planned to sit on the site of Hertsmere House had been previously approved by Tower Hamlets years ago but then rejected following a new and updated planning application for the building.

Designed by DMWR, it will contain offices in the lower half of the skyscraper with 192 hotel rooms plus 74 serviced apartments in the upper half. Reaching 65 storeys in height it will be the tallest building in London's docklands if built trumping the under construction Riverside South by about 1 and a half metres and One Canada Square by about 2 metres.

At the heart of approval by Boris Johnson is likely the substantial contributions that the developer, Commercial Estates Group will make to the public purse that totals over £7 million to mitigate the impact of the development. This includes a much needed £4 million for Crossrail and over £1 million for affordable housing.

Boris Johnson was however elected the Mayor of London partly on the platform of believing that local councils should have the final say in sensitive planning matters including those relating to skyscrapers.

This has been the justification for supporting the decisions by Tory boroughs to reject towers however it seems when it comes to a Labour borough the rules are different. Would Boris dare overrule the likes of Westminster next time they oppose a tall building?

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