The Tower of London’s status as a world heritage site may be at risk due to the influx of new skyscrapers in central London. UNESCO has requested that the UK government submit a State of Conservation Report that addresses the historic site’s preservation and the threat of increased high-rise buildings in the area. As reported by the BBC, a UNESCO spokesperson said the request was due to concerns about “cumulative impacts” from nearby high-rise developments and insufficient protection of the Tower’s “outstanding universal value”.

Concerns were initially raised by the English historic preservation body, Historic England, regarding City Plan 2040, the City of London Corporation’s (CLC) draft policies for new office, residential buildings, and overall development. Historic England believes these policies are likely to “severely harm” the likes of the Tower of London. On the other hand, deputy chair of the CLC’s planning committee, Shravan Joshi, claims the Plan “protects and celebrates” heritage assets while supporting the economic growth of London.

UNESCO expects the State of Conservation Report to be submitted by December 1st. They will assess the level of threat the high-rise proposals could cause and then consider whether further action is necessary.