Bevis Marks is renewing pressure on City of London planners to reject plans for two tower blocks of office space beside it which its rabbi fears could “lead to a situation where the synagogue would ultimately close”.
Leaders of the UK’s oldest continuously used synagogue — which will celebrate its 320th year of regular services on Shabbat — expect a decision next month on an application to erect a 48-storey block next to its Grade I-listed building.
They are separately contesting a proposal to build a 21-storey high-rise on Creechurch Lane and fear the October decision on the Bury Street development could set a precedent.
A key concern is that the tower blocks would block out sunlight from the synagogue, plunging the building and its courtyard into near-total darkness.
Rabbi Shalom Morris told the JC that while the shul was looking forward to celebrating another landmark anniversary and the upcoming festivals, it was “entering a moment of trepidation” ahead of the planning decision.
“We’re calling on the City to protect the synagogue because if these buildings were constructed, they would have a detriment on the synagogue, the atmosphere and experience of the entire site,” he said. The “knock-on effect” could bring about the shul’s closure.
The minister stressed that the congregation would do “whatever we can to survive, no matter what happens. But it feels like they’re taking a risk with our very existence.”
If planners supported the proposals, he hoped Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick would “take notice of what’s happening and take action if necessary”.
Bevis Marks chair Jonathan Solomons pointed out that the pandemic, and the resultant changes in working life, had led to a surplus of office space in the local area, which “doesn’t need another tower block.
“We’ve been good neighbours for many years and tolerated new developments. But these latest applications are a step too far.”
He claimed the City of London Corporation “has no comprehensive framework in place to identify heritage features of outstanding importance within or near the cluster.
“They are leaving us to the mercy of individual site owners who come forward randomly.
“This is a piecemeal and opportunistic approach that threatens not just Jewish but everyone’s heritage.”
Some 1,500 letters opposing the developments have been submitted, with heritage, multi-faith groups and academics among the writers.
A City of London Corporation spokesperson noted that “no decision has yet been made.
“The City of London Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee considers all relevant planning matters, including relevant representations both for and against a development, before taking a final decision on planning applications.
“We will not comment on specific applications ahead of a decision being made by the committee.”
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