Savile Row Granted Protection To Preserve Its Unique Character

The home of the noble British suits, famous tailoring district Savile Row is among five historic London addresses that were granted special planning protection by Westminster Council yesterday. According to reports the new policy will prevent areas in London such as Savile Row becoming “indistinguishable” from other high streets. The new planning rules will govern who gets to move onto the street, and are intended to help preserve its character. 

The evening standard reports that "the proposal has been under discussion for almost a decade," and gained force when the US high street brand Abercrombie & Fitch Kids made an arrival onto the infamous street in 2012, which until then had never housed a high street brand. Local businesses have been unhappy with the decision, which according to David Coleridge of H. Huntsman & Sons the arrival of the large US chain store "had dramatically changed not just the tone, but also the safety, of the street."

The new plans come as a welcome relief to existing business owners on Savile Row, and new stores will only be allowed to open if they are able to show that they are “complementary to the character and function” of the area. Mark Henderson, chairman of tailors Gieves & Hawkes and former chairman of the Savile Row Bespoke Association, said: “I’m absolutely delighted. It’s recognition that Savile Row is totally unique...not only does Savile Row provide beautiful suiting but it is an inspiration for British fashion and...will now be protected.”