City bank-to-crazy golf scheme lands on green

The City of London Corporation’s planning committee has approved proposals to turn an empty Fleet Street bank into a mini-golf and bowling venue, although only if it closes earlier in the evening that had been planned. The scheme to change part of the ground floor and basement of 165 Fleet Street, EC4, into a leisure venue and noodle bar was approved by 15 councillors with two against the proposal and one abstaining. The plans received 30 objections from nearby residents concerning the vitality of Fleet Street’s character, noise impact and late-night operations. The committee wanted to impose conditions limiting operating hours to 11pm seven days a week, although the client negotiated to reduced hours on weekdays but not on weekends, when it will close at 2am. The councillors voting in favour of the scheme emphasised that the development wouldl enhance the character of the street and boost leisure and retail offerings, thereby encouraging increased foot traffic in the area. Photo by Anna Tarazevich/Pexels