THE FAMOUS view from Greenwich Park across the capital to St Paul's Cathedral is under threat from Mayor of London Ken Livingstone.

At the moment, views from the park and Blackheath Point to St Paul's are protected under Greenwich Council's draft Unitary Development Plan (UDP).

But Mr Livingstone has asked Greenwich Council to redraft its section on strategic views to ensure the UDP fits in with his own development plan for London.

Remarks made by Mr Livingstone as he read the first draft of the development plan questioned its protection of the view of St Paul's.

The council's draft policy protects views of the cathedral from high-rise developments by limiting their height to 30 metres.

It would also be consulted on any development around the cathedral that might affect the view.

Mr Livingstone said he recognised the importance of the foreground areas to the view including Greenwich town centre and Deptford. But he stated: "I do not support the concept that management of view should always ensure the prominence of St Paul's is protected".

A spokesman for Mr Livingstone said: "The mayor has not proposed to allow any tall building to block protected views of St Paul's. Well-designed buildings, which do not block the view, could potentially add to the view from Greenwich.

A council spokesman said: "Mr Livingstone thought it should perhaps be a little more flexible.

"But we stand by our position that Greenwich is proud of its unrivalled views across the city. We feel it is quite right our planning policy relates to our desire for this to be preserved and maintained."