Despite the recession, London is in the grip of a tall building frenzy. Driven by foreign money, ego and the pressure to build homes and offices, towers are being approved and constructed at a staggering rate.

London Bridge is already home to Europe's tallest and soon the South Bank and Vauxhall will be rivaling the City as serious high rise hubs.

New structures have the power to enthral, but they can also alter the character of the city forever. Is our planning system working? Are we boosting or blighting our capital?

Join broadcaster Kevin McCloud, the Observer's architecture critic Rowan Moore, City of London chief planning officer Peter Rees, author/journalist Simon Jenkins and architect Julia Barfield for a lively and provocative panel discussion.