ABSTRACT
In August 2005, a planning application for a 27-storey tower and associated Listed Building Consent and Conservation Area Consent applications were approved by Liverpool City Council (LCC). Whilst the application had the support of a broad cross section of interests within the city, other tall building applications have failed to gain such support. Consensus over the benefits of specific redevelopment schemes within Liverpool has been achieved, due in part to the strong regeneration agenda of city leaders and the pro-development activity of key agencies in the city. The potential for new development in the city to impact upon Liverpool’s unique character has led to local, national and international media attention. This spotlight on Liverpool’s approach to tall buildings is reflected both by vigorous debate in the letters pages of the local press and by the interest many other World Heritage Site cities have in the tall building debate in the city. Furthermore, the difference of opinion between heritage organisations about the future of Liverpool (as exemplified by the current tall building debate) has meant that this spotlight on Liverpool continues. Decisions about tall buildings are taking place within a context of an emerging tall buildings policy framework, concern about the management of the World Heritage Site status conferred on the city in 2004, and growing discussion about the character and identity of Liverpool in the twenty-first century.
