An update on Abercrombie & Fitch's bid to open a children's shop on Savile Row.

“I think it’s irresponsible of Abercrombie & Fitch to consider Savile Row as a location. We shouldn’t mince our words. I feel this is very inappropriate.” The mood of the Planning & City Development Committee that met on Tuesday evening at Westminster City Council was clear – they regarded the proposed conversion of No 3 Savile Row to an Abercrombie & Fitch children's store as totally inappropriate.

So although permission has been given to convert the building – currently offices – to a four storey retail location, the Committee accepted the recommendation of their officers that firstly a very clear management plan should be put in place to curtail the usual operating methods of Abercrombie & Fitch – including a plan for dealing with buggies and prams! Secondly – if they insist on going ahead – the Company should be required to make a substantial contribution to improvements to paving and pedestrian access to Savile Row.

Westminster’s Core Strategy adopted in January 2011 refers to Savile Row as a Special Policy Area – designated to “protect and promote specialist uses and functions” – for tailoring, stating: “It is necessary to provide specific protection for the unique clusters of specialist uses which are central to London’s character and ensure these clusters are not eroded by pressure from other commercial uses”.

Our thanks to The British Fashion Council, Walpole, The New West End Company, the 1,800 chaps and chapettes who supported the on-line petition organised by The Chap Magazine to Savile Row’s many friends and supporters and, above all, to Westminster Council for its determination to preserve and enhance this beautiful city – London.

Sadly, it seems this is not over. We understand that Abercrombie & Fitch’s advisers have lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate. Does anyone know any good planning barristers?