My attention has been drawn to the attached decision by the City’s all-powerful planning committee to protect the future of Simpson’s Tavern by designating it as an asset of community value – a way of protecting historic entities and perhaps a recognition that shops and taverns are as important to the historic fabric as the buildings themselves.

This could be a way for Lutfur Rahman to protect the future of the Whitechapel Bell Foundry, if he is so minded as the new legislation can apparently be used in Westminster and Tower Hamlets just as much as in the City.

It is not too late.

https://news.cityoflondon.gov.uk/historic-chophouse-granted-asset-of-community-value-status/