The Whitechapel bell foundry was established in 1570 © qaphotos.com/Alamy After years of wrangling and debate, the UK government has approved a controversial plan to turn the centuries-old Whitechapel Bell foundry in east London into a boutique hotel development. In a report published yesterday, Robert Jenrick, the UK secretary of state for communities and housing, agreed that a US investor can build a hotel around the bell-making facility on the site which will include a modern foundry in some form. Established in 1570, the foundry is famous for casting celebrated bells...