ST MARK'S CHURCH SAVED FOR CHURCH USE

The Planning Inspectorate has dismissed appeals by Hammer Holdings Ltd. against Westminster City Council's refusal to grant planning permission and listed building consent for the conversion of the Grade I listed St Mark's Church in North Audley Street, Mayfair W1 to use as a ‘Wellness Centre'. 

The Inspector concluded that the proposed alterations would cause significant harm to the special interest of the listed church, but would be acceptable if no other use was available which would have a less harmful impact.  Although the appellant had already entered into a long lease of the building, the Inspector accepted that Westminster City Council had demonstrated that church use for worship and community facilities was still viable and, on the balance of probability, a realistic prospect.  The church use would require significantly less intervention in the fabric of the building, and would be a far more beneficial community use.

Hereward Phillpot appeared on behalf of Westminster City Council.