It is the third time in two years that the Mayor has decided to “call in” a major planning application in Islington.
The graveyard was established in the 1660s near the site of an even older burial ground. It became a well-known resting place for Nonconformists, and contains the graves of writer and preacher John Bunyan, and Susanna Wesley, the mother of Methodist founder John Wesley.
It closed to new burials in the 19th century and is now a quiet public open space managed by the City of London.
Many detractors took to Twitter to criticise the decision to call in the application.
Thomas Marks said: "More DIY planning from the Mayor of London. This time, an 11-storey behemoth to tower over Blake's grave."
While Bill Parry-Davies tweeted: "Boris could blight historic #BunhillFields. Even the dead can not rest peacefully in the path of development."
Another Twitter user said: "Bunhill Fields is an oasis of calm a few paces from silicon roundabout - it should not be overshadowed by developers."
A spokesperson for the Mayor of London said: “London’s population is booming and there is a critical need to find new work space for the 861,000 new jobs that will be created in this city over the next 20 years.
"The Mayor has called in this application to carry out a more detailed assessment of plans that propose to increase office space, and he will consider all of the planning issues as well as addressing any other concerns raised before making a decision.”
The application is due to be considered by the Mayor at a hearing at City Hall on Monday.
