FN Newsletter 17-02-2025

Mid February 2025 round up of news, features, public consultations, and local democracy reports

Despite what many of you think, we do enjoy reporting “good news” stories. Especially this one about our local school which has been awarded an “outstanding” grade by government inspectors. Well done to everyone at All Souls.

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Fitzrovia Community Centre needs a volunteer who is certified and experienced in carrying out PAT testing to be available at the Sunday repair workshops. If this is you, email info@fitzroviacommunitycentre.org to help out.

The University of Westminster has submitted a planning application for the redevelopment of its Cavendish Block. If given the go ahead it will mean significant disruption due to demolition and rebuilding in the section of Hanson Street between New Cavendish Street and Clipstone Street. See the list of planning applications in Fitzrovia West.

We have again published a lot of stories since our last newsletter. Read them all under the headings of News, Features, Public consultations, and Local democracy reports below.

Look after your and others’ health: Covid cases have remained low for the past 12 weeks but cases of flu are still very much a concern. Wear a face mask if you are indoors in public spaces, and get vaccinated.

If you want to get in touch with us to tell us what you think of our reporting, have a question, or would like to contribute to The Fitzrovia News please email us at news@fitzrovianews.com — and you can keep up with the latest by following us on Bluesky.

— Linus Rees, editor

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News

All Souls School celebrates ‘outstanding’ Ofsted grade

Education standards authority Ofsted has awarded All Souls Church of England Primary School in Fitzrovia a grade of “outstanding” — the highest possible rating for its teaching.

Filming in Fitzroy Square with crew vehicles in surrounding streets

A film company has been carrying out a shoot in Fitzroy Square with production support vehicles parked in the surrounding streets causing some disruption and nuisance.

Camden private renters advice surgeries across the borough

Camden Council is holding a series of advice surgeries for private renters in February and March across the borough.

Features

History notes: The Goldbeaters’ Building, Whitfield Street

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A striking-looking early 20th century building at 54-60 Whitfield Street was purposed-built for several firms of gold beaters.

Public consultations

Licensing application: Kinkally, 43-45 Charlotte Street

Mid Hospitality Ltd has applied to Camden Council for a major variation of its premises licence to allow for later opening hours at the ground floor and basement of Kinkally, 43-45 Charlotte Street.

Licensing application: 160 Great Portland Street

Amereida Ltd has applied to Westminster Council for a new premises licence for 160 Great Portland Street on the corner with Clipstone Street in Fitzrovia West.

Licensing application: Eastgate House, 16-19 Eastcastle Street

Thompson and Scott Limited has applied to Westminster Council for a new premises licence for Eastgate House, 16-19 Eastcastle Street, on the corner of Wells Street in Fitzrovia West.

Licensing application: Selene, Mappin House, 4 Winsley Street

Kushtrim Makolli has applied to Westminster Council for a variation of the premises licence for Selene, Mappin House, 4 Winsley Street, in Fitzrovia West.

Planning applications in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia East, February 2025

Camden Council has registered a number of planning applications in Bloomsbury ward, which includes Fitzrovia East, so far during February 2025.

Planning applications in Fitzrovia West, February 2025

Westminster Council has validated an assortment of planning applications so far during February 2025 in the Fitzrovia Neighbourhood Association amenity society and Fitzrovia West designated neighbourhood area.

Camden Council seeks residents’ views on new licensing policy

Camden Council is asking residents to comment on controversial changes to its licensing policy which includes making it easier for businesses to sell alcohol and hot food for 30 minutes later at night, and promoting “sensible drinking” and the “health benefits” of alcohol.

Local democracy reports

London Rent Commission sets out steps for controls in new report

Private tenants in London have backed rent controls after an Assembly Member declared the capital was facing a “cost of rent crisis” — with the city’s nearly three million renters paying on average over 40 percent of their income to landlords.

Mayor Khan accused of ‘hypocrisy’ over return to office plea

Sir Sadiq Khan has been accused of “utter hypocrisy” by Conservative critics after he urged London’s businesses to encourage their staff back into the office, despite the fact that City Hall operates on a “hybrid working” model.

Camden’s schools budget overspend widens to £2.6mn

The London Borough of Camden’s schools budget is creaking despite a recent £20mn funding boost from the government, according to a new report.

MP urges TfL to ban ‘amplified sound’ in pedicab regulations

Pedicabs must be stopped from blaring loud music through the West End, the area’s MP has warned, as Transport for London (TfL) prepares to use new powers to regulate the rickshaws.

Disabled people excluded from work by ‘disabling systems’

More than half of Camden’s disabled residents are economically inactive, a new report has revealed.

Printed newspapers

Our next printed news-sheet will be out in March and available from outside Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street. See the newspaper archive for back issues of The Fitzrovia News. We aim to produce a two-page, printed issue at least four times a year. Local weeklies the Camden New Journal and the Westminster Extra are also available outside the Community Centre and they also have an archive where you can view the full Camden and Westminster printed editions.