Appeal to build office block near oldest synagogue

"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."

"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. ldrs 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."

Welput, a real estate fund managed by American investment firm BGO, has appealed after the City of London Corporation refused permission to build a 43-storey office tower near Bevis Marks Synagogue. The scheme would require demolition of Bury House on Bury Street. The original application was rejected in 2021 and again in December, amid concerns that the tower would block the view of the sky from the Grade I-listed synagogue, which requires a clear sight of the night sky and moon for worship. Opponents include the UK's chief rabbi and several historians. Fresh appeals have been listed seeking to overturn the decision.

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