Non-Residents Often Claim Soho as Their Own, Yet Decision-Making Power Remains with Residents

Non-Residents Often Claim Soho as Their Own, Yet Decision-Making Power Remains with Residents

In the heart of London, the discussion over the pedestrianization of Soho and Oxford Street continues to be a contentious issue. The unique charm of Soho, a district that has given its name to numerous cities worldwide, is at the centre of this debate.

During the pandemic, Westminster City Council temporarily pedestrianized Soho, allowing businesses to operate more than 16,000 additional 'covers' (sittings) and saving many businesses from closure [1]. This measure helped support around 80,000 hospitality jobs. However, the permanent implementation of pedestrianization in Soho has become a subject of controversy due to opposition from local residents and the Westminster City Council.

The Westminster City Council, as the biggest collector of business rate revenue in England, has negligible incentive to increase business rates revenue, as 96% of that revenue is redistributed elsewhere [2]. Businesses and some stakeholders want the pedestrianized scheme to be reinstated permanently, but the local council and the Mayor’s office have resisted including it in broader urban planning initiatives [1].

The Soho Business Alliance wrote to the Mayor asking for a pedestrianized Soho to be included in plans alongside the pedestrianization of Oxford Street [3]. The Mayor's team, however, has indicated that they do not support the plan to pedestrianize Soho [4].

Plenty of residents do not see a benefit in the trade-off between the noise and pollution from occasional vehicles and the lack of access to their own cars, noise of more crowds, and litter. Soho deserves better than being a cut-through for tour buses or taxis scouting for late-night fares [5]. Pedestrianising Soho can repurpose streets for outdoor dining, smaller marketplaces, and reduce pollution in enclosed and narrow spaces [6].

The trouble in Soho is that residents have been given an effective veto, and some oppose the scheme due to wanting vehicle access, noise, pollution, crowds, and litter [7]. The government's proposals suggest that even more of the business rate revenue will be redistributed in the future [8].

Joe Hill, policy director of Re:state, emphasizes the need for the new Mayoral Development Corporation to include plans to pedestrianise Soho and Oxford Street [9]. The trolleybus and tram routes were eventually allowed to run through the centre of London after years of resistance, benefiting the whole of London over the interests of specific central areas [3]. The Mayor should change his position and back the Soho Business Alliance, including plans to pedestrianise Soho along with Oxford Street in the remit of the new Mayoral Development Corporation.

In summary, the temporary pedestrianization of Soho during the pandemic had a positive impact on local businesses. However, resistance mainly from residents and Westminster Council, citing concerns like revenue loss and local dissent, and political opposition have prevented making the changes permanent despite business community support [1]. This paints a picture of a conflict between economic support for the hospitality sector via pedestrianization and local political/resident resistance, leading to a stalled permanent implementation debate.

References:

1. The Guardian
2. The Telegraph
3. Evening Standard
4. The Times
5. The Independent
6. Re:state
7. Londonist
8. House of Commons Library
9. Re:state

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