There’s nothing worse than a bit of trapped wind – and London is becoming a hotspot for it.

The city has issued new guidelines because the problem is now so bad it is becoming dangerous for people walking or cycling around.

Rennies won’t solve the issue, so instead the City of London Corporation has overhauled its planning system.

Skyscrapers in the capital are being blamed for creating dangerous wind tunnels that knock cyclists off their bikes and could lead to more road accidents.

The local authority says it has created the UK’s first framework for tall buildings that takes into account the wind impact when planning applications are assessed.

Its new guidelines mean developers must commission tests of the impact on wind at the earliest point in a scheme’s design in the Square Mile.

Uncomfortable wind must be avoided apart from in exceptional circumstances, the City of London said.

Planning and transportation committee chair Alastair Moss said: ‘With the number of tall buildings in the Square Mile growing, it is important that the knock-on effects of new developments on wind at street level are properly considered.

‘These guidelines mark another significant step that the City Corporation is taking to put cyclists and pedestrians at the heart of planning in the Square Mile, prioritising their safety and experience.’

Roger Geffen, policy director at charity Cycling UK, said he hoped the tall buildings guidelines could be rolled out across the UK.

He added: ‘Anywhere there are tall buildings going up, there is increased risk of encountering walls of wind as you ride.

‘It makes cycling more of a struggle, but can also increase the risk of cyclists being suddenly blown off course, making their movements more difficult to judge for other road users.

‘It’s great that the City of London is considering how to minimise these risks in the design and siting of tall buildings in the future.

‘Cycling UK would urge other city authorities to follow suit.’

In May, City of London Corporation approved the introduction of a 15mph speed limit to reduce the likelihood and severity of road collisions, although the measure cannot be implemented without the approval of the Government.

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