Churchgoers' fury over planned conversion of historic Mayfair townhouse into a 24-hour casino

There are plans to turn a Grade II town house next to a church into a casino in Mayfair

The planned conversion of a historic Mayfair townhouse next to a church into a 24-hour casino has sparked the wrath of worshippers.

Developers want to turn the Grade II listed Victorian former stable block in Brick Street into an exclusive members-only gambling venue for up to 200 punters with a roof terrace and restaurant.

But the plans, submitted to Westminster council by property firm Fenton Whelan, have provoked anger from congregants of Christ Church Mayfair.

They say noise from the terrace, overlooking the stained glass windows, will infringe their “right to worship”. One objector raised fears of “altercations” between gamblers and churchgoers.

In a letter of objection, a congregant warns: “Noise from the casino would interfere with our ability to hear the sermon properly and therefore directly affect our right to worship freely.”

A separate letter, submitted by the church, claims the site could be turned into a “multi-level bar and nightclub complex”, adding: “There would be a significant increase in noise, disruption and loss of quiet enjoyment both to the church, and nearby residents.

“This terrace is immediately adjacent to the windows around the nave and transept... Given the likely opening hours of the venue, it seems likely that the church would suffer directly.”

Fenton Wheeler has said it will stop gamblers using the terrace from 10am to noon on Sunday, but objectors want this to be extended to between 9am and 1pm.

In planning documents submitted to Westminster, the developer says: “The casino will not attract disruptive members. Private member casinos are not heavy-drinking environments and do not attract rowdy behaviour.

“The selection process for members would be stringent and expectations in regard to behaviour and neighbourly consideration will be clearly set out.”

The 12,800 sq ft property was originally stables and accommodation for staff of now-demolished mansion Londonderry House. It was converted for residential use in 1997. Set over three floors, it has five bedrooms, a basement pool, gym and home cinema.

It last changed hands for £12 million in 2002 when it was bought by British Virgin Islands registered Beltway Holdings, Land Registry documents show.

The resulting loss of a home would be offset by a linked project in Belgrave Square where the former Royal College of Psychiatrists HQ, which is currently empty, will become residential.

Reverend Matt Fuller, senior minister at Christ Church, said: “We have en-gaged with the developer and Westminster to discuss the questions we have... with the objective that any development serves the needs of the community.”

Planning officers are recommending approval subject to controls to ensure the site is used only as a casino. The planning committee will decide the application on Tuesday. Fenton Whelan was not available for comment.

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