Council calls on government minister to protect historic vista

11.47.14am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 13th Jul 2007

Richmond Council is calling on the government to review a recent decision that threatens the future of one of borough's iconic vistas.

The historic, protected view of St Paul's Cathedral from King Henry VIII's mound in Richmond Park could be narrowed under new guidance to be published by the Mayor of London on Friday. It follows a direction from the Secretary of State for Communities which would allow developments in central London to encroach on the existing view. In a consultation on changes to the protected view, more than half of the responses objected to the proposal, including local authorities, residents and community groups. At a meeting of the Cabinet last night (July 9), it was agreed that Lead Member for Environment on Richmond Council, Cllr Martin Elengorn, will write to Hazel Blears urging her to rethink the decision.

Cllr Elengorn said: "The vista from King Henry VIII's mound to St Paul's Cathedral is part of Richmond's heritage and we have always resisted any moves to weaken its historic protection. We will do this in partnership with other Councils across the capital who are seeking to protect other important vistas. I will also be writing to the Secretary of State to urge her to reconsider the decision to support Ken Livingstone in allowing property developers to build within the confines of the protected view. While the Council's powers are limited, we will not stand idly by as one of the borough's attractions comes under serious threat."