NAJ Welcomes Positive Outcome as Planning Application Threatening E Katz & Co Ltd is Withdrawn

10 Nov 2026

Image: NAJ CEO, Ben Massey, with the E Katz & Co team

The National Association of Jewellers (NAJ) has welcomed the withdrawal of a planning application that threatened the future of historic Hatton Garden jewellery business E Katz & Co Ltd, following strong opposition from the business, the NAJ and other industry and local stakeholders.

The original application proposed changes to the premises that would have resulted in the loss of the ground-floor jewellery shop occupied by E Katz & Co, creating access to a planned basement hospitality venue.

The proposals attracted significant opposition after concerns were raised about their potential impact on one of Hatton Garden’s long-established jewellery businesses and the wider character of London’s historic jewellery district.

Established in 1946, E Katz & Co has traded from its current Hatton Garden premises since 1955. The family business is led by George Katz, who has worked in the business for around 70 years. The original proposals attracted national media attention.

The NAJ submitted a detailed objection to the proposals, arguing that businesses such as E Katz & Co form part of the “living history, identity and character” of Hatton Garden and that the future success of the jewellery quarter depends on retaining and supporting its jewellers, makers, retailers and craftspeople

The landlord has now withdrawn the application. According to E Katz & Co, this followed an indication from Camden Council that the application would otherwise face refusal because the proposed loss of ground-floor and basement retail space could not be justified under planning policy.

Ben Massey, Chief Executive of the National Association of Jewellers, said,

“We are delighted to see this application withdrawn and, most importantly, to see a positive outcome for E Katz & Co and the Katz family, and the wider Hatton Garden community.

“Hatton Garden’s international reputation has been built over generations by jewellery businesses, craftspeople and families who have dedicated their working lives to the trade. Protecting that cultural heritage while ensuring the area has a vibrant future means ensuring jewellery businesses continue to have a place at its heart.

This outcome also shows why a strong, collective industry voice matters. When one of our members faces a challenge that potentially affects not only their own business but the wider trade, the NAJ is here to listen, advocate and provide support. I am pleased that our objection helped strengthen the campaign and encouraged others to make their voices heard.”

The NAJ’s intervention was supported on the ground by NAJ President Gary Williams, who provided support to George and the family to voluntarily review the workshop independently assessing the workshop space as part of an additional written statement for inclusion within the formal objection, and on media duties with ITV.

Thanking the Association for its involvement, E Katz & Co described the NAJ’s objection as “comprehensive and powerful”, saying it had helped galvanise a domino effect with other Hatton Garden and national stakeholders and added considerable weight to the campaign.

While the withdrawal represents an important victory, E Katz & Co has acknowledged that discussions concerning the future of the premises may continue and is seeking clarity from the landlord.

The NAJ will remain in contact with the business and stands ready to provide further support where appropriate.

Ben Massey concludes,

“Membership is about much more than the services and benefits businesses use day to day. It is also about knowing that when something significant happens, you have an Association prepared to stand alongside you and make the case for the jewellery trade.

“We will continue to champion our members, protect the interests of the wider sector and speak up when the businesses, skills and heritage that make the UK jewellery industry distinctive are at risk.”

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Source: National Association of Jewellers