London’s overprotected vistas

SKYSCRAPERS are sprouting all over London; the pace of construction is the fastest it has ever been. But they could rise even faster were it not for London’s odd planning laws. Protected views of St Paul’s Cathedral and of the Palace of Westminster block off areas where skyscrapers would otherwise be popular. The maps and images below show the sacrosanct vistas. Even where skyscrapers are permitted, the system makes it expensive to get planning permission—prioritising interesting architecture over cheaper, functional ideas. That is why in the City of London, unlike in other big cities, the buildings tend to have such odd shapes. And in large areas such as the West End, the authorities don’t like tall buildings at all. It’s a tale of two cities: one growing up, one stunted. See full article.