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St Mark’s campaign taken up with bishop
CAMPAIGNERS fighting to save St Mark’s Church in North Audley Street from being turned into a health spa are writing to the Bishop of London to demand the Church of England honours the religious covenant that forbids any use on the land other than worship.
The bombshell discovery emerged following enquiries by the West End Extra last week, which unearthed the original transfer deeds from when the Church of England obtained the land from the Grosvenor Estate in 1824.
Under the 175-year-old covenant, the land must be “consecrated to Ecclesiastical purposes forever” – posing serious question marks over the legality of redeveloping the church into a health spa.
Campaign co-ordinator Jenny Taylor said: “We will be writing to the diocese about this.
“This covenant could be very significant and it just adds to the string of unanswered questions and inadequate dealings with the diocese.”
Campaigners have been vocal in their criticism of the diocese, claiming its actions are “draconian” and will keep the congregation out of St Mark’s over Christmas.
The campaign, headed by Lady Sainsbury, is hoping the Grosvenor group break their silence to enforce the covenant ahead of the crunch planning meeting on December 11.
They are also in the early stages of consultation with lawyers over how best to uphold the promise which could grant a reprieve for the church.
If planning permission is granted, the Grade I-listed building may be sold to developer George Hamer, who will oversee the development. |
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