Letter : Views on an even bigger tower for London
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Catherine Pepinster writes as though the building of the Foster tower on the site of the Baltic Exchange is virtually assured ("Our tower's bigger then yours...", 11 August). May I remind your readers that planning permission has not yet been sought for the tower, nor is it a fait accompli. The consent granted is for a building on the site that would incorporate the listed remains of the bomb-damaged Grade II* Baltic Exchange. We have not seen details of Sir Norman Foster's proposals, but as the government's principal adviser on the conservation of the built heritage we have many reservations about the impact a tower of this scale would have on London, quite apart from the issue of the future of the Baltic Exchange. As I wrote to the City Corporation in March: "The total demolition of a Grade II* listed building is not a matter to be taken lightly." This remains our position.
Paul Drury
English Heritage
London and South-east Region
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments