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Camden New Journal - by SUNITA RAPPAI
Published: 21 June 2007

Leave our views alone, Ken told

AN unprecedented warning has gone out to London Mayor Ken Livingstone to keep his hands off historic views from Parliament Hill.
In a special motion passed by the Court of Common Council – the main decision-making body of the City of London, the guardians of Hampstead Heath – last Thursday, the Mayor was urged to reconsider new proposals that could alter London’s skyline for ever.
Concerns centre on new powers granted to the Mayor’s office last month by communities and environment minister Ruth Kelly.
They include relaxing guidelines covering the building of skyscrapers in areas that may affect views of landmarks such as St Paul’s Cathedral and the Palace of Westminster from Hampstead Heath.
Heath management committee chairman Bob Hall said yesterday (Wednesday): “Many people come to the Heath to simply stand and look at these extraordinary views. They are an absolute feature of what this high ground of north London holds.
“The reason why these laws were introduced in the first place is because it was recognised that the views should be protected. Nothing has changed.”
But a spokeswoman for Mr Livingstone insisted: “‘The changes to the viewing corridors will in no way detract from people’s enjoyment of St Paul’s from Parliament Hill and Kenwood House.”
The new rules would allow sensible development to proceed at the edges of the old corridors, meeting increasing demand for new homes and jobs while protecting views of the landmarks, she added.”

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