Chinatown plans 'threaten area'

Campaigners fear Chinatown's pagoda is under threat

The redevelopment of part of London's Chinatown could destroy the area's unique character, campaigners say.

Community group Min Quan fears plans to redevelop a key building in the Soho district will lead to increased rents which local firms cannot afford.

It has called a meeting to discuss the plans, which spokesman Jabez Lam warned could signal "the end of Chinatown".

But Westminster City Council says it has not yet received a planning application from developer Rosewheel.

Rosewheel has served notices to quit on businesses occupying the Sandringham building, close to Chinatown's landmark pagoda - an ornamental structure on the eastern side of the district.

The campaign group fears that the distinctive pagoda could be under threat from any planned development of the building.

'Soul of Chinatown'

The pagoda was built on a specially chosen site in accordance with Chinese custom to bring prosperity to local businesses, according to Min Quan spokesman Jabez Lam.

"Chinatown will lose its cultural characteristics and the damage to the pagoda will signal the end of Chinatown," said Mr Lam.

London's Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest in Europe. It dates back to the 1950s when large numbers of immigrants from Hong Kong arrived in the UK.

A spokesman for Westminster City Council told the BBC News website any application received from Rosewheel would be considered in light of the action plan to protect Chinatown adopted by the council in 2003.

"We value our relations with the Chinese community and will be working with them to ensure that the spirit and soul of Chinatown is retained," said council leader Simon Milton.

A spokesman for Rosewheel could not be contacted for comment.