We urgently call on Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Robert Jenrick and Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to prevent demolition of 117-125 Bayswater Road.

This charming Victorian and Neo-Renaissance row are the last remaining narrow plot buildings facing Hyde Park. The oldest, the Black Lion Pub, dates back over 300 years to 1704.

Even Westminster Council's own planning officer Sarah Whitnall advised "The demolition of all existing buildings is considered to have a harmful impact upon the architectural, historic and aesthetic characteristics of the Queensway conservation area (designated in 2002)".

However this advice was ignored by the Westminster Planning Sub Committee, chaired by Cllr. Robert Davis who acknowledged receiving gifts and hospitality from the developer, when they approved a £450 million redevelopment of the site.

This puts them in violation of Section 72 of the Planning (Listed Building and Conservation Areas) Act 1990. The act states "In instances where a proposed development will lead to substantial harm or total loss of significance of a designated heritage asset, local planning authorities should refuse consent".

Urgent action is needed as the buildings are currently in scaffolding and awaiting imminent demolition.

Read more: https://www.stopthewrecker.org/