The battle for the soul of Soho

Inside the war between London's porn baron family and the council they say is killing the vibe

-  JONATHAN PRYNN

A new "battle of Soho" has erupted, pitting business leaders against Westminster council and local residents, whom they accuse of killing the boisterous vitality that makes it a world-famous destination.

A group representing some 150 business chiefs and owners led by John James, managing director of property owner Soho Estates, has written to the council, the Mayor and the new Westminster MP Rachel Blake expressing its profound frustration at what it sees as the high number of planning and licence applications being turned down by the Labour-run authority - under pressure from local voters.

But residents have hit back, saying that levels of crime, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour are out of control, particularly on hot spots such as Dean Street, Frith Street, Greek Street and Romilly Street. They insist the council is right to push back against developers who do not have to live with the consequences of their new bar, club or restaurant openings.

Sadiq Khan has also been dragged into the row following the surprise publication last month of the Mayor's Government-backed proposal to pedestrianise Oxford Street. This would create a Mayoral Development Corporation (MDC) that would transfer planning decision-making out from the council to Khan and his officials.