FN Newsletter 21-05-2024

Mid-May 2024 round up of news, features and comment

There is a lot to report again from another busy couple of weeks…

More large-scale demolition could hit Fitzrovia West as the the University of Westminster sets out plans to demolish and rebuild on its New Cavendish Street site. Fitzrovia-based mega corporation Arup got stung for £20mn (I’m sure they can afford it!) in a deepfake video scam and is warning others to learn from its painful lesson. And the master tailor of Cleveland Street returns!

As usual there is lots more to read from the past two weeks including the usual, public consultations, and local democracy reports in this lengthy newsletter.

A reminder that Covid continues to remain a major threat, according to the WHO. Please follow NHS advice to avoid catching and spreading the virus. The UK Health Security Agency is also concerned about measles outbreaks, and a rise in whooping cough cases.

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 Fitzrovia News please email us at news@fitzrovianews.com

— Linus Rees, editor

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The latest on our website

University plots redevelopment of Hanson Street site at Cavendish Block

The University of Westminster has announced that it wants to redevelop part of its Cavendish Block to create a new student experience centre, and is holding an initial public consultation on the designs.

Arup warns others after losing £20mn in deepfake video scam

The Fitzrovia-based engineering group Arup has said its experience of being swindled out of £20mn after one of its financial officers fell for a deepfake video conference scam should come as a warning to others of the increasingly sophisticated techniques of fraudsters.

Sohemians to start meeting again in September 2024

The Sohemian Society, founded in 2003 for lovers of all things Soho / Fitzrovia / bohemian, is restarting its monthly meetings on Thursday 5 September 2024, after an enforced Covid break.

Children’s literacy charity seeks volunteers to work in Euston and Somers Town

Children’s literacy charity Doorstep Library is looking for volunteers to support its work in the London Borough of Camden.

Public consultations

Licensing application: Farmer Cafe, 35 Conway Street

TVC News Limited has applied to Camden Council for a new premises licence at Farmer Cafe, 35 Conway Street, on the corner of Warren Street in Fitzrovia.

Licensing application: The Royal Cocktail Exchange, 31 Windmill Street

Twenty-First Amendment Ltd has applied to Camden Council to vary the premises licence at The Royal Cocktail Exchange, 31 Windmill Street, on the corner of Whitfield Street.

Licensing application: Elysee Restaurant, 13 Percy Street

Gales Restaurants Limited has applied to Camden Council to vary its premises licence at the Elysee Restaurant, 13 Percy Street.

Licensing application: Maya, 19 Goodge Street

Other Wines & Bites Ltd has applied to Camden Council for a new premises licence at Maya, 19 Goodge Street, on the corner with Whitfield Street in Fitzrovia.

Planning applications in Bloomsbury and Fitzrovia East, May 2024

Camden Council has registered a number of planning applications in Bloomsbury ward, which includes Fitzrovia East, so far during May 2024.

Planning applications in Fitzrovia West, May 2024

Westminster Council has validated a number of planning applications in Fitzrovia West so far during May 2024.

Government consults on alcohol in licensed pavement areas

The Government has identified new options that would enable premises to more easily sell alcohol for consumption in a licensed pavement area, whilst ensuring that licensing authorities and local residents continue to have a say about what happens in their area.

Local democracy reports

Dean Street Tesco to be downsized in plans approved by Westminster Council

A Tesco supermarket in Dean Street, Soho, will be demolished and replaced with an office block and a store almost half the size under plans approved by Westminster City Council, despite the store being registered as an asset of community value.

High Court finds council’s housing policy indirectly discriminates against women fleeing violence

The High Court has found Westminster City Council’s housing policy indirectly discriminates against women and girls fleeing violence.

Camden adopts new statement of community involvement for planning policy and applications

Camden Council has adopted a new Statement of Community Involvement (SCI), amending its previous document to account for changes in planning legislation.

Printed newspapers

Our next printed news-sheet will be published in early June. It will be available from outside Fitzrovia Community Centre, 2 Foley Street. See the newspaper archive for back issues of 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 printed Camden and Westminster printed editions.

News from elsewhere

Campaigners raise cash to fight plans for Bloomsbury tower block in High Court

A High Court judge is set to run the rule over plans to demolish a former hotel and office complex in Bloomsbury and replace it with a new tower – after objectors raised the cash for legal proceedings.

Hug challenges plan for short-term lets

Westminster council’s Labour leader has warned the secretary of state that a new regulatory system set up to clamp down on Airbnb-style short-term lets could end up “embedding the current status quo”.