The Government has delayed the adoption of the City of London Corporation's City Plan 2040, citing the need for further scrutiny of its potential impact on the Tower of London, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Minister of State for Housing and Planning, Matthew Pennycook MP, has directed planning inspectors to consider alternative tall building proposals for the eastern part of the City and to hold additional hearings, despite public sessions concluding over a year ago.
City Corporation Responds
The City of London Corporation issued a statement on June 29, 2026, expressing strong disagreement with the decision. Deputy Tom Sleigh, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee, called the directive "unnecessary and anti-growth." He argued that the issue was thoroughly examined in 2025 and that the delay would harm economic growth by creating uncertainty for investors and businesses.
Government's Stance
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said: "Our World Heritage Sites are an irreplaceable part of this country's history and they must be protected. We have asked inspectors to consider alternative proposals for tall buildings in the City Plan, to ensure it protects the Tower of London against unsuitable development without restricting economic growth."
Details of the City Plan 2040
The City Plan 2040 outlines the Corporation's vision for the Square Mile up to 2040, including a minimum target of 1.2 million square metres of additional office space. Public hearings were held in 2025, leading to proposed modifications with an expected adoption this summer. However, in a letter dated June 25, Pennycook noted the need for further scrutiny to protect the Tower.
Heritage Concerns
Historic Royal Palaces, which manages the Tower, welcomed the Minister's intervention. Melissa Hammett, Palaces and Collections Director, said: "We have regularly and consistently highlighted the harm to the Tower of London World Heritage Site caused by the encroachment of tall buildings into views of and from the fortress. The cumulative impact over more than a decade is significant."
In 2024, UNESCO requested a State of Conservation Report on tall buildings' effects on the Tower, and ICOMOS recommended a "drastic revision" of the City Plan 2040. A Corporation spokesperson previously expressed confidence that the plan is "built on solid foundations."
Impact and Next Steps
Deputy Sleigh warned that every month of delay puts schemes and investment at risk. "London and the UK need this Plan adopted. This was avoidable, it is wrong, and it should be put right quickly," he said. Historic England confirmed it will support the inspectors and Corporation to address the Minister's instructions urgently.
