The City of London Corporation is to launch a public consultation on whether to establish a conservation area around the location of the country’s oldest synagogue, Bevis Marks.

The proposal would effectively establish a planning safety net around the building, one of three grade 1-listed places of worship - the other two are churches - in the neighbourhood.

Bevis Marks

Bevis Marks (Photo: CU)

The corporation’s planning and transport committee approved the consultation exercise on Tuesday after a report said “the character and appearance of the area has the potential to be designated as a conservation area, due to its special architectural and historic interest”.

 Supporters of Bevis Marks have been alarmed in recent years over applications to erect tall commercial buildings nearby which they fear would have overshadowed the synagogue, which dates back to 1701. One application was rejected by the corporation, while another was withdrawn last year.

Rachel Fink, chief executive of the S & P Sephardi Community which runs Bevis Marks, said, “We are pleased that the City of London is looking into long-term protections in the area that surrounds Bevis Marks. We await their detailed proposal before we comment further.”

 A spokesman for the corporation said, “The consultation will be held from late summer, for a minimum of eight weeks, in accordance with Historic England guidance and our own Statement of Community Involvement.”

Creechurch Conservation Area

Proposed Creechurch Conservation Area

 If the proposed Creechurch Conservation Area were established, that would have a significant impact in considering future planning applications in the vicinity.

The report considered by the committee this week said that “as the oldest synagogue in the UK, the building is of outstanding architectural and historic interest”.

It said, “There is an intimate sense of enclosure, seclusion and quietness upon entering the courtyard that contrasts strongly with the bustle of the main street."

A new visitor's centre for the synagogue is currently under construction. King Charles, then Prince of Wales, was patron of the appeal to help fund it.