Historic synagogue wins first round of City planning battle

Permission for 48-storey skyscraper denied but application for second building yet to be consideredThe UK’s oldest synagogue has won the first stage of its battle to stave off an existential threat from plans to build two skyscrapers close to the 320-year-old building in the City of London.Planning officials have refused permission for a 48-storey office block next to the Grade I-listed Bevis Marks synagogue, saying it would have a “major adverse impact” on the historic place o