Ministers have intervened in plans for a 43-storey office block in the City of London which the UK’s oldest synagogue fears would leave it plunged in darkness.
The controversial plans would see the skyscraper built on 31 Bury Street close to the grade I-listed Bevis Marks Synagogue in central London, Britain’s oldest continuous synagogue.
Critics say the plans by developer Welput would make services at the synagogue “almost impossible” as they would block out nearly all sunlight.
But Welput has insisted it has “sincere respect for the historic and cultural importance” of Bavis Marks, and has pointed to changes made to its scheme since previous proposals were rejected.
Now Housing Secretary Angela Rayner has issued a ‘holding direction’, barring the Corporation from granting permission until ministers consider the application.
Councillors had been due to decide the application next month. The order does not prevent them from indicating their view, but means ministers want to review it before it can be approved.
Labour MP for Cities of London and Westminster Rachel Blake welcomed the move, saying: “It's positive to see the Secretary of State call in this application.
“The proposed development would impact Bevis Marks synagogue, and I have objected to it.
“I believe this application goes against policies that protect accessibility, inclusivity, and cultural heritage.”
Noted historian Simon Sebag Montefiore added: “If the government is stepping in to protect it [Bevis Marks], that is an admirable move; it is what governments are for, amongst others things - to protect places of special value to the nation's culture, religion, architecture and history.”
Councillors are due to hear the plans on December 13, with nearly 1,400 objections received from across the world.
Among those raising concerns was the Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, who told Corporation planners in a letter that the office block would “significantly affect the natural light that can reach the building”.
He said: “This will, in turn, disrupt prayers taking place inside, and the use of the courtyard outside.
“It would have a notable impact on the atmosphere that Bevis Marks is so famed for around the Jewish world, to the detriment of those worshipping there.”
Under the plans, the existing building on the site of Bury House would be demolished and replaced with a 43-storey office block, alongside an extension and some community facilities.
A Welput spokesperson said their plans sought to “maximise public benefits by considering the future use of the entire site”.
They added that they had anticipated that Ms Rayner might issue a holding direction, and that they were “ready to present the compelling attributes of our proposal to the Secretary of State as we have done with the Greater London Authority and The City of London Corporation.”
