The Government could step in amid a dispute over plans to build a 43-storey office block near Britain’s oldest synagogue in London.
In January, developer Welput submitted proposals to build the tower block about 25m away from the Grade I-listed Bevis Marks Synagogue in Aldgate.
Opponents of the plans say the building would block natural light, making some religious rituals at the synagogue, which was built in 1701, very difficult.
The City of London Corporation was due to make a decision next month, but several requests were made for the Government to call in the planning application.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government has now issued a holding direction, which gives secretary of state Anegla Rayner time to consider these requests.
Develop Welput said it had ‘profound’ respect for the historic and cultural importance of the area and was sensitive to the concerns raised by Bevis Marks Synagogue.
Proposals for a 48-storey tower block at the site were rejected in 2021, partly on the grounds that it would adversely affect the setting of the synagogue.
