The council and English Heritage are opposed to Secretary of State Hazel Blears' decision to give the go-ahead to the 143m high residential tower on the Southbank.
The super-tall tower, which was recommended for refusal by the government's own planning inspector, threatens to impact on the view from the Blue Bridge in St James's Park. This historic view has remained largely unchanged for well over 100 years.
Cllr Robert Davis, Westminster City Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Built Environment, said: "It is disappointing that the Government has so far failed to grasp fully the importance of protecting our heritage. The preservation of St James's Park, one of Britain's most beautiful parks, is far more important than creating monstrously tall towers which will destroy London's historic skyline for generations to come.
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"We are not against the principle of tall buildings providing they are in the right place and do not damage important views, but the impact this building will have on some of London's most popular visitor attractions is nothing short of architectural vandalism.
"The notion that skyscrapers are an essential expression of the city's economic progress is outdated. It is time to call a halt to these stale clichés and balance creative initiatives with the preservation of important views and historic buildings, while ensuring environmental sustainability."
The legal challenge comes after the UN threatened to put some of Britain's major historic landmarks on its list of endangered world heritage sites after its experts accused the UK of failing to protect globally significant sites such as the Palace of Westminster.
(CD/JM)
