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Plans for central London hotel blocked to save Indian restaurant
Developers have been blocked from expanding and modernizing the Stand Continental Hotel in central London to protect one of the city’s most historic Indian restaurants.
Westminster Council rejected an application for redevelopment due to the cultural importance of the India Club, which occupies the second floor of the building.
Floors above the restaurant offer budget accommodation, ranging from dormitories from £19 per person a night to double rooms from £75 a night.
Marston Properties had hoped to modernize the property and add en-suite rooms.
However, Westminster’s planning sub-committee blocked the move, stating it would lead to the ‘loss of an important cultural venue’.
The club has been established at 143-145 The Strand since 1964, with founding members including India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Countess Mountbatten, wife of the last viceroy.
In a statement the club said: "We are delighted that Westminster Council has refused an application that would have seen a unique and iconic piece of London’s history disappear. We have been overwhelmed with the support we have received with over 26,000 people signing our petition in support of the India Club.
"The India Club is a constant reminder of Westminster’s multicultural identity and Indo-British friendship."
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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