Tall buildings blueprint to preserve Liverpool's skyline

Liverpool's World Heritage status recognised the architectural landmarks on the waterfront

Liverpool's famous waterfront skyline will be protected under a new tall buildings policy.

City planners are drafting guidelines to ensure any future developments maintain the historic area's character and charm.

The measures - expected to be signed off by the council - will help preserve the docks' "distinctiveness and image".

It represents a timely boost for the city which was stripped of its World Heritage status after 17 years in 2021.

The plans come after five city centre locations were earmarked as the sites for new skyscraper clusters, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

They include Liverpool Waters, the Commercial District, Pall Mall, Paddington Village and the southern fringe of the Baltic Triangle.

Liverpool was awarded World Heritage status in 2004

Under the plans detailed in a report to the city's cabinet, any proposals will have to be environmentally friendly and meet guidelines on height, design and location set out in a Tall Buildings Supplementary Planning Document.

Nick Small, cabinet member for economy and development, said: "Liverpool's skyline is world famous and its development needs to be sensitively handled. We need to ensure its historic character and charm are maintained, whilst allowing for economic growth and job creation."

Unesco took away Liverpool's World Heritage Status after finding developments including the new docklands Everton FC stadium led to "serious deterioration" of the city's waterfront.