A plan to build a 48-story high-rise near an 18th-century synagogue in central London was voted down on Tuesday by city council members.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook and Twitter
The controversial plan by developers would have replaced a seven-story building adjacent to the Bevis Marks synagogue in central London with a 48-story tower. The plan was rejected in a vote by a vote of 14-7.
The custodians of the synagogue, which today serves the Spanish and Portuguese Jewish community of London, argued that the high-rise would block sunlight to the synagogue, a claim disputed by the developers.
Some 1,500 letters of objection had been sent from heritage organizations, academics and multi-faith groups, raising concerns about the impact on the only non-Christian house of worship in the City of London.
The synagogue was built in 1701, the first to be constructed after Jews – banished from England in 1290 – were allowed back by Oliver Cromwell in the mid-17th century. Now it is the only synagogue in Europe, and possibly the world, that has held continuous worship throughout its existence.
Originally, the synagogue was surrounded by buildings of a similar or lesser height, allowing light to stream in through arched windows. But over time, adjacent buildings have grown ever taller. A 56-story skyscraper nicknamed the Diamond was approved in 2018.
As in other large synagogues of communities of Sephardi Jews who left the Iberian Peninsula after the Spanish Inquisition, which began in the 15th century, Bevis Marks depends on candlelight and sunlight for lighting.
"We already find it difficult at times to read prayers and carry out a normal service due to poor light conditions," Shalom Morris, a resident rabbi at Bevis Marks, told the BBC. He said he was "delighted" that the plan was canceled.
"The threat is not over yet though as we continue to fight against another nearby planned sky rise development," Morris added, referring to a separate application for a 21-storey high-rise in the works.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
