Architectural watchdog CABE this week called on conservation body English Heritage to end its struggle with London mayor Ken Livingstone over the future of the city's development.
Livingstone has been at loggerheads with English Heritage over his support for tall buildings in central London. Livingstone says more of them are essential for the capital's future, whereas English Heritage wants to limit the number to protect views of St Paul's Cathedral and other listed buildings.

CABE chief executive Jon Rouse said English Heritage's report on its vision for London, released this week, was to be welcomed. He pointed to its recognition that conservation was about managing, not preventing, change.

However, he called on English Heritage to work with Livingstone as he develops his London plan.

"We should keep in mind that theirs is only one perspective and it has to be balanced with all the other needs and demands placed on London's environment."

Rouse added that CABE was in a frustrating position. He said the body agreed that London's heritage needed to be protected but also accepted Livingstone's call for sustained development.

In its report, English Heritage said it must help educate politicians, planners and ordinary people because many of the development mistakes made in recent decades had been caused by ignorance.