£50m plan to demolish eight West End buildings is agreed

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Westminster council has granted permission for the 150,000 square foot redevelopment around Piccadilly and Jermyn Street. The Crown Estate, which owns the site, says its "striking" plans will smarten up the area, improve views to Piccadilly Circus and reinvigorate shopping in Jermyn Street.

However, the project involves the demolition of eight historic buildings and the future of a string of long established independent shops, including Trumpers, Herbie Frogg and hat makers Bates, in Jermyn Street, is in doubt.

The scheme, known as St James's Gateway, involves a new frontage for Piccadilly and improvements to Eagle Place, plus the demolition of 212-214 Piccadilly - site of London's first Lyons tearoom which opened in 1894; 21a, 22 and 23 Jermyn Street; and 3-4 Eagle Place. A Grade-II listed building at 27 Regent Street will be refurbished to create nine homes and shops.

Westminster made the decision despite objections from the Victorian Society, which says the buildings could be renovated and even extended. Mayor Boris Johnson has indicated that he will not overrule the council's decision.

The Crown Estate said all displaced businesses will be invited to return once work is complete. But Tim Boucher, the owner of Bates, said he believed the shop would have to close, as it would not be possible to move elsewhere while the work was ongoing.