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The first battle is won against the war being waged by property developers on Soho and its spirit. 

 

By Patrick Cash


Westminster City Council’s planning committee has refused a planning application to a proposed development of much-loved Soho gay bar The Yard. The landlord had wanted to turn The Yard into, well, not a yard by covering the space with a glass canopy and excavating a large basement.

The work would have destroyed large parts and many vital features of the last remaining stable in Soho, including an original Victorian brick wall, sash windows and original timber flooring and courtyard. When refusing the scheme, Councillor Andrew Smith called the building ‘a rare survival of its type’ and ‘an important relic of old Soho’.

Andy Jones, owner of The Yard, said: ‘I am so delighted that the application was refused. The Yard contributes significantly to the character of the area and to the Soho Conservation Area. It must be protected for future generations.

“Over 800 letters of objection were received from residents, customers and the greater Soho community.”

‘I would like to thank everyone for their continued support throughout the campaign. Over 800 letters of objection were received from residents, customers and the greater Soho community. Support for the campaign has also flooded in from across the globe. Committee member Angela Harvey commented that objections had been received from countries as far away as Agentina and New Zealand.’

Manager Chad was similarly chuffed, calling the decision ‘an incredible result and an even more incredible response from the local community, customers, our local councillors and indeed Westminster Council in general.’

And the Council went on to state how bars, both gay and straight, are part of Soho’s heart. ‘We need to preserve these businesses or risk Soho becoming just another homogenised city centre,’ said Jonathan Glanz, West End ward councillor. ‘The Yard is a successful, well-run and popular part of the community’.

However, this is only the first step in protecting this building, the press release warns. A second application has been submitted to build flats above the premises, resulting in the loss of the historic stable roofs. We will keep you updated on all the progress of the second battle as it happens!

 

• The Yard is at 57 Rupert Street, Soho, W1D 7PL. 

• A campaign group to save the spirit and community of Soho is available to join at www.savesoho.com

• To object to the second application please email centralplanningteam@westminster.gov.uk and quote 14/12447/FULL and include your postal address for your objection to be registered.

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