Baseball caps thrown in air as church is saved from spa plan

PLANS to convert a Grade I-listed church in Mayfair into a health spa have been rejected unanimously by Westminster council's planning committee.

The decision was met with a huge roar of approval from protesters, mostly elderly, who packed the committee room wearing red "Save St Mark's" baseball caps, which they threw in the air.

Millionaire George Hammer, who founded The Sanctuary in Covent Garden, struck a deal to buy the church from the Diocese of London, subject to planning permission being granted.

He has argued that the only way to save the crumbling Greek revival St Mark's Church, which has been on English Heritage's buildings-at-risk register for 20 years, was to convert it into a "wellness centre" including a spa, swimming pool and juice bar.

But he met fierce opposition from conservationists and the local congregation, led by Lady Sainsbury, a prominent member of the women's monthly bible study group at the church in North Audley Street.

As the president of the Save St Mark's campaign, the wife of former Conservative minister Sir Tim Sainsbury said the conversion would be "tantamount to sacrilege" and "a wicked destruction of a place of worship".

Westminster planning chiefs agreed. Committee chairman and deputy leader Robert Davis said: "My committee decided to refuse this application on the grounds that this is one of the most beautiful churches in Mayfair and we believe that a building of such architectural magnificence should be available for anyone to enjoy.

"We believe that the restoration can be undertaken while it is used as a church. We hope that funding can be found, which will see the church continue to be used as a place of worship."

Mr Hammer attended the meeting with London Diocesan property director Michael Bye, who wanted the conversion approved. Mr Davis said there had been 1,000 objections and only one submission in favour. He said he had been impressed by the strength of local support for the church, which was a "place of great beauty".

Lady Sainsbury said: '"This is a huge embarrassment for the diocese, who must now recognise that selling their assets is not the answer to their financial troubles."

Mr Hammer immediately announced his intention to appeal.

The London Diocesan Fund Finance Committee, which evicted a thriving congregation from the church so that they could sell it, will meet to discuss the situation on 22 January.

The campaigners now plan to fight on to get the congregation reinstated before further deterioration can takes place.

Holy Trinity Church, Brompton Road - known as HTB - has made an offer to restore St Mark's and will now put forward detailed proposals.

Lord Taylor, a member of HTB, said: "Good has tonight triumphed over greed. The Diocese would be foolish to ignore the strength of feeling here."