As Soho continues to fall under the heel of the property developers, we finally have some good news. Last week, the Westminster Planning Committee decided to defer the first of two planning applications that have been submitted as part of the planned redevelopment of the Yard until after a visit to the premises.
The Yard owner Andy Jones and general manager Chad Sheldon told QX they were very pleased and thankful to find out that over 600 objections were made by residents, customers and the greater Soho community against the proposed application. The property owner’s plans included altering the courtyard by covering it with a glass canopy and excavating a basement, which would destroy the integral historic fabric of this unique venue. A 2700 signature petition was also submitted last year.
Andy Jones told QX, “We are pleased that Westminster’s planning committee have heard our campaign to save the historic yard and stable building and decided to defer their decision until they have seen the premises. We’ve had so much support from so many people to help save them. We still need to make sure that they make the right decision and also the next application for three flats to be built on the stable roofs doesn’t get the go ahead either. So watch this space!”
“We need to preserve these businesses or risk Soho becoming just another homogenised city centre.”
Jonathan Glanz, West End ward councilor, said, “I think it is time to draw a line in the sand. At Soho’s heart are quirky and unique premises of great character run by independent businesses including shops, bars and restaurants. We need to preserve these businesses or risk Soho becoming just another homogenised city centre. The Yard is a successful, well-run and popular part of the community. I am pleased sense prevailed and my fellow councillors saw the importance of this historic building and the independent, and much loved business it contains.”
Cllr Glenys Roberts, West End ward councilor, added, “Since we wrote the Soho Action Plan in 2007, we’ve seen so many other examples of cultural or built heritage eroded. I’m very happy to see the community getting fully behind preserving the unique culture of Soho. I thank the committee members for their decision and will carry on working hard with others in our community for schemes that are suitable and an enhancement.”
This is only the first step in protecting this one of a kind historic and public Soho space against the onslaught of redevelopment and modernisation. There is a lot of work still to be done and Andy Jones and his team have assured us that they will continue to keep the pressure on the local council to prevent this redevelopment from happening.