Decision details

That the naming of the new thoroughfare on the former site of Block C, Mercers Covent Garden Estate as Mercers Walk be approved.

1.               The PDA Section of London Fire has objected to the use of the name Mercers Walk. Their ground for objection is that the prefix ‘Mercers’ is duplicated within the surrounding area and this could cause confusion and possible delay when responding to an emergency.

2.               Officers contacted the PDA Section at London Fire to seek a possible reconsideration and withdrawal of their objection. However, they were not prepared to withdraw their objection to the proposed name ‘Mercers Walk’ but stated that they are only acting in an advisory capacity to the Council, and whilst their objection still stands, it is the Council who are the street naming authority and it is therefore the Council who is the final arbiter and decision maker.

In view of the objection received, the proposed naming of the new thoroughfare as Mercers Walk within the redevelopment site of the former Mercers Block C site is now put forward for the Cabinet Member’s decision.

3.       The City Council’s Street Naming guidelines that were formally adopted by the former Environment and Planning Committee on 31 March 1998 (a copy of which is attached at Appendix 1 to the report) broadly require that street names are not duplicated, are easy to pronounce and have some local historical connection with the area.

4.       The relevant legal considerations for the Cabinet Member to consider in reaching a decision are set out in Sections 6 and 8 of the report. If the Cabinet Member agrees to the naming of the new thoroughfare as Mercers Walk, the Director of Planning will assign the name by statutory order. If, however, the Cabinet Member does not approve the naming, then the developer will be informed that their application is refused.