Mayor won't object to 43-storey tower block

Boris Johnson has decided not to object to plans for a 472ft skyscraper on the South Bank.

The £200million Doon Street tower is proposed for a site between Waterloo Bridge and the Oxo Tower.

The 43-storey building would contain 282 flats, a leisure centre and swimming pool.

The Mayor has no power to veto the plans because they have been the subject of a public inquiry, which took place in the spring before he was elected.

But critics of the development are disappointed he is not objecting now after giving an election pledge to protect London's historic skyline from new tall buildings.

Philip Davies of English Heritage said: "This development will seriously harm two of London's most treasured views: the world famous view of Whitehall from the bridge in St James's Park and the sublime symmetry of the courtyard of Somerset House when viewed from its entrance."

Sources say Mr Johnson was warned that making a submission now would be complicated, legally unprecedented and potentially costly because it could mean reopening the inquiry.

The final decision will be made by Communities Secretary Hazel Blears and is expected within weeks. It is understood the Mayor hopes she will reject the proposals. The developer is Coin Street Community Builders, the firm which runs Gabriel's Wharf and redeveloped the Oxo Tower.

Former Mayor Ken Livingstone supported the scheme despite none of the flats being affordable homes for key workers, with proposed prices ranging from £320,000 to £575,000.

He helped Coin Street with funds to buy the site when he was leader of the Greater London Council and the Mayor's London Development Agency helped fund the firm's planning-application. Michael Ball, chairman of the Waterloo Community Development Group, insisted it was not too late for Mr Johnson to step in.

He said: "He should do this because the tower is inappropriately located and will have a grievous impact on London-wide views and because the lack of affordable housing cannot be justified.

"He could also point out the site was bought by the GLC in 1984 and sold to Coin Street for only £750,000 on condition that it be developed for affordable housing and live/work light industrial uses only.

"Since then only 220 social homes have been built. This was not considered at the public inquiry."

Iain Tuckett of Coin Street said the leisure centre would benefit the whole community and would be paid for by the sale of the flats.