The City of London has introduced a set of guidelines for proposed developments to protect pedestrians and cyclists from wind tunnels created by the increasing number of skyscrapers.
Described by the City of London Corporation as the "UK's first wind microclimate guidelines", the rules will require proposed buildings over 25-metres high to undergo strict wind-testing to determine the impact the development will have at street level.
The guidance has been introduced with the aim of protecting pedestrians and cyclists from gusts of wind that may push them onto roads and into the path of vehicles.
"With the number of tall buildings in the Square Mile growing, it is important that the knock-on effects of new developments on wind at street-level are properly considered," said Alastair Moss, chair of the planning and transportation committee. The guidance aims to protects pedestrians and cyclists from wind tunnels created by skyscrapers. Photo is by IIya Kuzhekin
Under the guidelines, planned buildings between 25 and 50 metres will need to undertake computational simulations or wind-tunnel testing, while those taller than 50 metres will need to do both.
For tall buildings over 50 metres this testing will have to be undertaken by a separate independent consultant.
Guidance sets out acceptable wind speeds
The guidelines set out acceptable levels of wind speed dependent on how areas alongside proposed developments are intended to be used.
Areas that house restaur...