A key issue in the Committee debate and in representations received from objectors was the impact of the scheme on nearby Bevis Marks Synagogue. The Synagogue had previously submitted a detailed objection outlining its concerns on the impact of overshadowing on the ability of members of the Jewish Community to continue worshipping in accordance with their faith.

The Synagogue, which dates back to 1701, is the oldest and most historically significant synagogue in the country, often referred to as the ‘Cathedral’ Synagogue due to its significance within the Jewish faith. It is widely recognised as being of outstanding communal, architectural, artistic, historic and archaeological significance and its importance both within the City of London and on a national level is recognised by its Grade I Listed status.

In October 2021, the City of London’s Planning and Transport Committee refused a previous, similar application by the same applicant for a 48-floor tower at 31 Bury St. The 2021 refusal identified two harms. The first was harm to the setting and amenities of Grade-1 listed Bevis Marks Synagogue by reason of the “overbearing and overshadowing impact of the development on the courtyard of the Synagogue.” The second was harm to the World Heritage Site Tower of London.

A key development since that application was refused was the City of London Corporation’s decision in January 2024 to designate the area within which the Synagogue and the proposed development site are located as a Conservation Area.

Claire Nevin advised Bevis Marks Synagogue on whether the Equalities Statement accompanying the planning application was sufficiently detailed to discharge the legal requirement for decision makers to have due regard to equality considerations under s.149 of the Equality Act 2010. Her written advice was before the Committee when it made its decision.

The YouTube recording of the debate and the Committee’s decision can be found here.

Claire Nevin was instructed by Roger Hepher of HGH Consulting.