The Battle for Soho: How business leaders are at war with local families and the council over series of licensing and planning applications killed off over anti-social behaviour fears
Business owners have started a war with residents and their local council, after a series of planning applications were turned down amid fears levels of anti-social behaviour are spiralling out of control.
Business owners have started a war with residents and their local council, after a series of planning applications were turned down amid fears levels of anti-social behaviour are spiralling out of control.
Dubbed the battle for Soho, a group of some 150 business chiefs, have accused Westminster Council and locals of killing off Londons most vibrant nightlife scene.
Led by John James, managing director of Soho Estates, the group has written a letter to Westminster Council, the Mayor of London and MP Rachel Blake, to express their frustration.
They claim a high number of planning and licence applications have been rejected in recent times due to pressure from locals, The Standard reported.
Mr James wrote in his letter that Soho is like every high street in the country — its struggling for its life.
But residents say the levels of drunkenness, crime and anti-social behaviour is out of control, particularly in hot spot areas such as Dean Street, Frith Street, Greek Street and Romilly Street.
People pictured eating and drink outdoors in Soho, as local business owners have accused Westminster Council and locals of killing off London s most vibrant nightlife scene
Pictured: Punters stood outside a pub in Soho as cyclists ride past. Businesses claim a high number of planning and licence applications have been rejected due to pressure from locals
Residents say the levels of drunkenness, crime and anti-social behaviour is out of control. Pictured: People outside The Coach & Horses pub on the corner of Greek Street and Romilly Street - one of the hotspot areas mentioned
They believe the Council is right to turn down the applications, as they are the ones who have to live with the consequences of a new bar, club or restaurant opening.
Sadiq Khan has been dragged into the row after he announced government-backed plans last month to pedestrianise Oxford Street.
Mr Khan wants work to start within two years to remove all vehicles from the famous shopping street - despite warnings it could become a crime-ridden no-go area.
As a result of the scheme, a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) would be created, meaning planning decision-making for the area would be transferred from the Council to Khan and his officials.
And some members of Soho Business Alliance (SBA), set up during the pandemic, want the area covered by the MDC to encompass Soho as well as Leicester Square.
The Mayor would have municipal power over a large strip of the West End, The Standard reported, and could rule on planning and licence applications the Council has been unwilling to approve.
Sadiq Khan (pictured) has been dragged into the row after he announced government-backed plans last month to pedestrianise Oxford Street
A visualisation issued in 2017 of what Oxford Street in London could look like if pedestrianised
Buses and cars pictured stuck in a traffic jam on Oxford Street
Mr James said Westminster Council was acting like a rural parish council rather than Londons most important local authority by refusing so many applications.
The 71-year-old claimed former model claimed many businesses are considering moving out of the area because of Westminsters obvious bias against them.
He said Soho in 2024 had more empty buildings than he has ever seen since 1986.
Mr James cited the example of the Twentieth Century Fox building on Soho Square, built in the 1930s, which has bene sitting unused and partially derelict since 2017.
He has called for more licences for alfresco dining or outside dining, using examples such as Covent Garden where the square has been pedestrianised to enhance the visitor experience.
