The 22 Bishopsgate skyscraper planned for the City of London is to go ahead, subject to a decision by the mayor of London, despite developers literally being accused of daylight robbery.
Although the City of London resolved to give the 295 m (968 ft) tower planning permission in November, developers AXA Real Estate and Lipton Rogers faced opposition from companies set to invoke their 'right to light', as the building threatened to cast them in shadow.
Legal firm Eversheds sent a letter threatening legal action over the matter, but planners have now unanimously agreed to use the special powers granted in section 237 of the Town and Country Planning Act to override such considerations.
The law permits planning authorities to override other rights, such as the 'right to light', although it must compensate those affected.
With the City of London having chosen to use these powers, the final decision on the skyscraper rests with the mayor of London.
