The famed New York skyline looks set to change in the near future as the city council has just given the go-ahead to a project that will see a new skyscraper set up - a mere 60ft shorter than the Empire State Building.

Objections from the owners of the well-known tourist attraction regarding the scheme were cast aside and plans proposed by Vornado Realty Trust - which also has 28 other office properties in the area - accepted.

However, according to the Guardian, it is not likely that bricklayers' tools will be picked up and construction work on 15 Penn Plaza - to be 67 storeys high - started until an anchor tenant is found.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg discussed the development, stating that it is unrealistic of building proprietors to assume ownership of the sky.

"Anybody that builds a building in New York City changes its skyline. We don't have to run around to every other owner and apologise," he remarked.

Posted by Andrew Miles