A committee of MPs has criticised many of Britain's tall buildings for being ugly, inefficient and not the best way of achieving high density offices or housing.

In a report out today, the Commons transport and local government committee says that if tall buildings "are to enhance the city it is important that they improve the streetscape".

"Few skyscrapers in Britain do: many older tall buildings are an eyesore," it adds.

Forum response: Corporation of London

Dame Judith Mayhew, chairman of the Corporation of London's Policy and Resources Committee, told ePolitix: "So-called "tall buildings" are a relatively small but essential part of what the City must offer international business and we have a robust, tested and sustainable policy for them.

"The case needs to be understood because providing a range of buildings, including some 40-50 storeys high, is crucial to the continued vitality of the City of London as a centre for international business - a major money-earner for the UK.

"City businesses demand a full range of accommodation choices in the Square Mile, from low-density to those taller buildings which, in world terms are "mid-size" and about 40-50 storeys high.

"The taller sites are popular with smaller international firms looking to share a prestige site and grow quickly as part of a cluster of business. Prestige is important to them as is location - and we need to take account of that if we want the City, and the UK to continue to be a world-class centre.

"Built well, as part of a proven and tested strategy, a small number of so-called "tall" buildings are essential to the continued success of the City and to London and the UK."

Forum Response: CABE

Paul Finch, CABE deputy chairman, told ePolitix: "We broadly welcome this thoughtful and topical analysis, and note the Committee's recommendation that the government formally endorses the guidance on tall buildings produced by CABE and English heritage.

"We also welcome the Committee's acknowledgement that tall buildings can be beautiful, its support for high standards of design, and its concerns about 'dumbing down' of designs once planning permissions have been granted.

"CABE accepts the Committee's point that it is possible to regenerate urban areas without necessarily developing tall buildings, though we note that demand for such buildings, particularly from large national and international organisations, continues to be strong. Tall buildings can play a key part in regeneration strategies.

"We welcome the encouragement given to local authorities to adopt proactive policies in respect of the desirability of tall buildings for their area, and the identification of optimum locations. Many authorities have already taken this approach and the work undertaken by planners can save time and argument when actual proposals are made."

Forum Response: English Heritage

Simon Thurley, chief executive of English Heritage said: "This confirms what we have been saying. Tall buildings in the wrong locations can be immensely damaging and blight lives and landscapes for generations, which is not sustainable. We are delighted that the Committee has endorsed our views and called for national guidance on tall buildings."