Empire State view blocked by Penn Plaza in Malkin's rendering

In a controversial move, New York City authorities have approved building plans for 15 Penn Plaza, which will rise to within 11 metres of the height of the nearby Empire State Building (ESB).

Located on Seventh Avenue, opposite Madison Square Garden and Pennsylvania Station, 15 Penn Plaza threatens to block part of the view from the ESB's famous 86th-floor observation deck.

Empire State Building owner Anthony Malkin of Malkin Holdings has offered his opinion on the battle of the buildings.

He said 15 Penn Plaza would mar the 360 degree view from the 80-year old iconic Empire State Building and change the city skyline for the worse.

"The Empire State Building defines New York and its skyline," Malkin told the Daily News . "It's the No. 1 favorite building in the U.S."

Mayor Michael Bloomberg has given his full support to the 15 Penn Plaza building project.

His administration has long favoured high-density development near major transit areas such as Penn Station, which is the busiest commuter hub in North America.

Zoning bonuses will enable the developer, Vornado Realty Trust, to construct a building 56 per cent larger than what ordinarily would be allowed at a cost of approximately $US100 million.

Should 15 Penn Plaza be built despite the fact that it may tarnish the 360-degree view from the Empire State Building?