The English city of Liverpool was removed from Unesco’s list of world heritage sites on Wednesday because new buildings undermined the attractiveness of its Victorian docks, making it only the third site to be removed from the prestigious list.

Liverpool was named a World Heritage Site by the UN’s cultural organisation in 2004, joining landmarks such as the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, and the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

After a vote in China by members of its World Heritage Committee, Unesco said the new buildings in Liverpool were undermining the city’s “authenticity and integrity”.

Liverpool — hometown of the Beatles — was put on the heritage list in recognition of its role as one of the world’s most important ports during the 18th and 19th centuries and for its architectural beauty. Joanne Anderson, Liverpool’s mayor, said the decision was “incomprehensible” coming a decade after Unesco officials last visited.