WESTMINSTER CITY COUNCIL last night refused planning consent for Abercrombie & Fitch's proposed childrenswear store on Savile Row. The planning and city development committee voted against the brand's proposition to move into a Grade II Listed property on London's iconic street.

"The applicants don't seem to understand the importance of a Grade II Listed building, and their proposal is utterly unacceptable," said councillor Alastair Moss, chairman of the planning and development committee. "They need to play by the rules - as I can't overstate the significance of protecting this area and preserving the heritage of the Row."

The decision on whether the children's store will be allowed to join Savile Row will now go to a public enquiry on February 12. The American label already has one shop on the street, which opened in 2007 - and the launch was celebrated with a raucous party that spilled out onto the road. Similar celebrations for the brand have since been banned on the site.

Consequently, the proposal to open a second store has been widely criticised by the local tailors - with protests staged last year - who believe that Savile Row's reputation is at risk.