City of London planners approve 'Tulip' skyscraper

The City Corporation of London approved the plans for the new Tulip tower, which will be the second tallest building in Europe.

The plans were approved four months after the architects Foster + Partners revealed the designs for the 305 meter building.

The City's planning and transportation committee voted 18-7 in favour of the project in the financial district, lured by predictions that the Tulip will receive around 1.2m visitors per year for its glass lookout at the top and skybar offering a 360-degree view of the city.

Work could begin in 2020 and finish by 2025. When completed it could become the tallest building in London and all of western Europe after the Shard on the other side of the river Thames.

Nevertheless there were some conditions for the approval such as the "off-peak servicing to limit the number of vehicle deliveries at busy times, ticket sale restrictions during peak hours to avoid pedestrian congestion, accessible facilities for disabled persons, concessions for young children, students and senior citizens, and stringent internal and external security measures”, a statement from the City Corporation revealed.

Planning committee chairman Chris Hayward said it would be a "truly unique visitor attraction" that will bring tourists to the financial district of London on weekends.

The scheme will be funded by billionaire Jacob J Safra who said: "We are delighted to benefit from the exceptional talent of Foster + Partners in bringing to London this world-class visitor attraction. The Tulip's elegance and soft strength complements the iconic Gherkin."