UK’s oldest synagogue dodges 48-storey skyscraper next door

More than 2,700 people formally objected to the plans, including historian Sir Simon Schama.
The Bevis Marks synagogue, a Grade-I listed building built in 1701. Credit: LDR ServiceThe Bevis Marks synagogue, a Grade-I listed building built in 1701. Credit: LDR Service
The Bevis Marks synagogue, a Grade-I listed building built in 1701. Credit: LDR Service

The UK’s oldest synagogue may no longer be overshadowed as plans to build a huge office block next to it have been slapped down.

Officials have voted against plans to build a 48-storey block in the City of London next to Bevis Marks synagogue, a Grade-I listed building built in 1701.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The West End of London Property Unit Trust (Welput) planned to demolish a 1960s block in Bury Lane and build a 48-storey office block building next to Bevis Marks.

The plans included 25,460sqm of office floor space, a new pedestrian route and spaces for bike storage.

Bevis Marks was opened by Spanish and Portuguese Jews who fled the Inquisition and it now attracts worshippers from all over the world.

Opponents feared the skyscraper would block sunlight into the synagogue and courtyard and restrict worshippers’ ability to read prayers.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

More than 2,700 people formally objected to the plans, including historian Sir Simon Schama.

A CGI image of the sky scraper to be built next to the UK’s oldest synagogue. Credit: LDR ServiceA CGI image of the sky scraper to be built next to the UK’s oldest synagogue. Credit: LDR Service
A CGI image of the sky scraper to be built next to the UK’s oldest synagogue. Credit: LDR Service

The City of London’s planning and transport committee voted against the plans on Tuesday, (October 5).

Seven members voted in favour of the development while 15 voted against it.

Shalom Morris, Rabbi for Bevis Marks, said the development would block views of the sky that are important to Jewish rituals and diminish light into the synagogue, which is practically and spiritually important.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

He told the committee: “The City of London rightfully prides itself on promoting diversity, particularly as the City was the first place in England where Jewish people could live, worship and hold public office.

“If you approve this application today… I don’t see how the City could continue to claim with a straight face that it stands for diversity.”

He added that a circumcision was recently carried out at the synagogue and it was noted it may no longer be safe to conduct them if lighting was any worse.

Barrister Sarah Sackman said the development is unacceptable and the synagogue’s courtyard has already been impacted by nearby tall buildings.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “The community is in no doubt that this scheme will add to the degredation of the courtyard.”

The Bevis Marks Synagogue in the City of London. Credit: LDR ServiceThe Bevis Marks Synagogue in the City of London. Credit: LDR Service
The Bevis Marks Synagogue in the City of London. Credit: LDR Service

Ms Sackman, who was married at Bevis Marks, said her family still goes there to pray and the light in the courtyard forms a key part of the experience.

She added that planning officers underestimated the significance of the synagogue to the Jewish community and the development would only bring modest public benefits.

The City’s planning officers had recommended that the plans be approved, claiming the development would not harm the ability to use the synagoge as a place of worship.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Gwyn Richards, the City of London’s chief planning officer, said the development would include space for business start ups and community use.

He said the project would create 1,600 jobs and affordable work space, which would help the City bounce back from the economic impact of the Covid pandemic.

He added that the studies on how the development would impact light entering the synagogue were objective, based on quantifiable evidence and used groundbreaking technology.

Speaking on behalf of Welput, Alexander Morris said the towers would help the City of London recover from the pandemic, boost its economic future and benefit the wider community by offering a village hall set-up.

Alderman David Wootton objected to the plans.

The former Lord Mayor of London said buildings proposing community use are a contrived attempt by developers to get their applications approved.

Related topics: