Go-ahead for Wharf tower
LONDON Mayor Boris Johnson yesterday used his new planning powers to overturn a local council decision and approve a Docklands skyscraper.
The Columbus Tower, developed by Commercial Estates, will stretch 63 storeys – making it bigger than Canary Wharf’s iconic Canada One tower, and even the Heron Tower and the Pinnacle, buildings currently under construction.
The East London borough of Tower Hamlets turned down Commercial Estates’ planning application in August, arguing it would impact on nearby protected buildings, after approving nearly identical plans in 2005.
But Johnson has thrown out the opposition and given the green light to developers.
Johnson said: “I believe the application will not only strengthen the success story of the Isle of Dogs, but will be hugely beneficial to the whole of London.”
The planning approval is controversial because it was a widely-held belief that no tower would ever be built higher than the Canada One tower, which has become synonymous with the Docklands site.
It is believed the go-ahead was given only after the developer said it would contribute £4m to Crossrail and over £1m towards affordable housing in the area. Over £2m will also be invested into the local community by the developer.