Ruth Kelly demands inquiry into the impact of the tower on views of St Pauls

Communities minister Ruth Kelly has demanded a public inquiry into Rafael Viñoly’s 160m skyscraper at 20 Fenchurch Street, central London.

Kelly wants to re-examine the “appropriateness” of the 37-storey building, in particular looking at “the impact of the proposals on the skyline of the City of London, including views of St Paul’s Cathedral”.

The secretary of state is also concerned about “the impact of the proposals on the Tower of London World Heritage Site and the setting of nearby listed buildings and conservation areas.”

The announcement will come as a surprise to developer Land Securities, which had thought it had satisfied the planners concerns when Viñoly reduced the height of the building by nine storeys.