Appeal to build office block near oldest synagogue

Bevis Marks Synagogue is a Grade I-listed building that dates back to 1701

A developer that was refused permission to build a 43-storey office block near the oldest continuously run synagogue in the UK has appealed to have the decision overturned.

Welput, a real estate fund managed by American investment firm BGO, saw its application to construct the tower close to Bevis Marks Synagogue turned down by the City of London Corporation (CLC) in December.

The planned scheme involves the demolition of neighbouring Bury House on Bury Street.

Opponents of the project include the UK's chief rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, and historians Sir Simon Schama, Tom Holland and Simon Sebag Montefiore. Welput has been approached for comment.

Night sky fears

Welput's initial application was rejected by the CLC in 2021, having attracted significant concern due to its expected impact on the synagogue.

One of the key fears was that the proposed tower would crowd out the view of the sky from the Grade-I listed building. Bevis Marks Synagogue has said that a clear view of the night sky and the moon is necessary for Jewish worship.

Rabbi Shalom Morris has described the tower proposal as "totally inappropriate"

Rabbi Shalom Morris was among those who attended hearings into the CLC's draft City Plan 2040 earlier this year, when fears were again raised about the impact of any development near Bevis Marks Synagogue.

Since then, fresh appeals have been listed detailing Welput's attempts to have the decision to reject its plans overturned.

In December, Rabbi Morris said: "Now that this totally inappropriate tower proposal has been rejected for the second time in two years, we urge the applicant to abandon this project in its current form and not to lodge an appeal, which, we are advised by Lord Banner KC, has little chance of succeeding."

A CLC spokesperson said: "In December last year, the City Corporation's planning and transportation committee carefully considered representations both for and against the proposed development at 31 Bury Street. Following lengthy debate, the committee refused the application.

"The City has been informed by the planning inspectorate that an appeal has been submitted by the applicant."