The City of London has given the go-ahead to a new office block with a roof garden it says will offer “one of the most exceptional views” in the capital – but not before a debate over whether the public should have greater access to it.

The City of London Corporation’s planning and transportation committee has approved the redevelopment of Seal House, a 1970s office block at the north end of London Bridge, close to the more modern offices of Nomura and Wells Fargo, the investment banks.