Tall Buildings - Public Have Their Say For First Time
MORI Poll Reveals Most People Do Not Want More Tall Buildings In London
English Heritage today (Wednesday 13 June) announced the results of a MORI poll which, for the first time, asked the public what they think about tall buildings. The poll was commissioned by English Heritage to bring hard evidence - and the public voice - to the current debate on proposals for very tall buildings in London.
Between 1 and 3 June, MORI questioned 1,302 residents nationwide by telephone, including 477 in London. Data have been weighted to be representative of the national profile.
The MORI poll reveals:
- that most people -62% - do not want any more very tall buildings in London over the next few years;
- 91% of people questioned approved of the protection of views of St Paul's Cathedral and the Houses of Parliament in London;
- 74% wanted views of more landmark buildings protected;
- only 5% thought that more tall buildings close to London's public parks would enhance the experience of being in the parks;
- asked where, if anywhere, very tall buildings might be acceptable, 19% said Docklands and 13% the City of London. Those living in London were 29% in favour of Docklands and 23% for the City;
- 57% strongly agreed that tall buildings should be restricted to certain parts of cities so that other parts can retain their character;
- 37% strongly disagreed that British cities need more tall buildings to compete on a global scale with places like New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong;
- 67% thought it was very important that a building should fit in with its surrounding area;
- 66% thought its architectural quality was very important; and
- 67% would not like to see new tower blocks put up for living accommodation.
Sir Neil Cossons, Chairman of English Heritage, said: "It is vital that the public have their say. The MORI poll shows a snapshot of public opinion on tall buildings - and most people don't want them. If developers continue to want to build tall they must justify their case with hard evidence. Where is the proof that London needs tall buildings?"
"The MORI poll is one of a series of initiatives and studies being undertaken by English Heritage over the next few months to broaden and inform a debate whose outcome will affect all our lives."
Last Tuesday, 12 June, English Heritage and CABE (Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment) jointly published Guidance on Tall Buildings, a set of rigorous guidelines for testing whether proposed tall buildings will truly enhance the quality of life for all who live in, work in or visit our cities.
A copies of the MORI poll and Guidance on Tall Buildings can be obtained from English Heritage Customer Services and are available on www.english-heritage.org.uk
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Note to Editors
English Heritage is the national body charged with the conservation and enhancement of the historic environment in England.
Photographs
Versions of the view towards the City from Waterloo Bridge as it is today, with known proposals, and an imaginary view of how it might look in the future, are available FREE on PA PICSELECT Tel. 020-7963 7531 or via www.papicselect.com
