UNESCO has advised London to clamp down on high-rise developments over concerns about historic sites. In the latest salvo in a long-running debate, UNESCO has asked for a “review” of major projects.

A new UNESCO report calls on the government to “regulate build-up of the area around the Shard” and asks to review major projects before an “irreversible commitment” is made, according to coverage in BD Online.

BD’s sister publication, Property Week, has seen copies of the UNESCO report.

UNESCO doesn’t have any regulatory authority, but its control over World Heritage site designations carries great weight. The organization has been involved in several high-profile disputes in recent years over tall building developments, primarily citing concerns over view corridors.

Deputy mayor for planning Edward Lister told BD the Greater London Authority would “fight” for growth.

“They want to be very restrictive on any development in certain viewing corridors,” Mr. Lister said. “We understand their concerns but have to balance them with the demands of an expanding city.”

The differing viewpoints on the UNESCO's role in planning developments was featured in the second quarter issue of the CTBUH Journal.