One of Chelsea’s last surviving purpose-built artists’ studio complexes is facing an uncertain future after plans were unveiled to replace it with five luxury townhouses.

For more than a century Stanley Studios in Park Walk has provided creative workspace for generations of artists, including celebrated sculptor Dame Elizabeth Frink. Now neighbours fear one of the borough’s important reminders of its artistic heritage could disappear forever.

Residents living in Stanley Mansions in Park Walk and The Sandhills in Limerston Street that flank the studios have launched a determined fight against the scheme, arguing it would destroy valuable artists’ workspace, overshadow neighbouring homes and erode their privacy while doing little to preserve Chelsea’s unique character.

They are urging Kensington and Chelsea Council to reject what they describe as a “ruinous development” in favour of a heritage-led scheme that would protect the studios while allowing sensitive redevelopment.

 

 

The proposal by Squire & Partners would convert the Victorian complex into two three-bedroom and three four-bedroom houses. The architects say it would preserve the historic façade and carry Stanley Studios “into the next century with renewed purpose”.

Resident Philip Challinor said: “This is not intended to be a ‘not in my back yard’ campaign. Chelsea has to evolve and new homes are needed. The real question is whether we can find a more responsible way of shaping change.”

 

 

 

One of the biggest flashpoints is the proposal to create five new rear doors opening onto The Sandhills estate ithat back directly into the studios. Residents there say that little, if any, consideration has been given to how the new scheme negatively impacts upon their homes.

Residents say the doors, described in the plans as fire exits, would destroy long-established communal planting beds whilst also destroying their privacy and creating serious security concerns.

One resident told The Citizen: “Those beds were put in by the council years ago so residents could grow vegetables and flowers. Now they will be destroyed to make way for what are described as fire exits.

“We believe they are really back doors to the new houses. They will invade what little quiet garden space we have left. It is a terrible and thoughtless plan.”

 

 

Leaseholder Mussie Mulugheta said: “My lease specifically gives us the right to use the communal garden, but this application completely ignores that.

“They are not building social housing or a major community development. They are building five private houses that will affect a great many people without providing any real benefit.”

Mr Mulugheta also criticised the consultation process. “My biggest concern is security. Removing the existing wall to create access at the rear would leave residents feeling far more vulnerable.

“We also received very little notification about the application and have had to work hard to make sure our neighbours even knew what was being proposed.”

 

Residents argue the council’s statutory consultation failed to reach many of those most affected because the planning notice was displayed in Park Walk while the main entrances to The Sandhills are in Limerston Street and Winterton Place.

They also argue the scheme would remove protected creative workspace and are urging the council to back an alternative that would retain artists’ studios alongside new homes.

Squire & Partners say the plans have been shaped by community feedback and would preserve key features of the Victorian complex, including its original 1890s façade and distinctive double-height studio spaces, while avoiding the need for a basement excavation.

A Kensington and Chelsea Council spokesperson told The Citizen: “As with all planning applications, we have followed a defined consultation process to ensure that anyone interested in the proposal for Stanley Studios can comment and that all relevant considerations are taken into account.

“This includes publishing site and press notices. We have received 86 comments regarding the application, which gives us confidence that local people are aware of the plans and have been able to make their views known. Each of the comments received will be carefully considered before any decision is made, including any concerns raised about the information submitted with the application.”

The Chelsea Citizen approached both the landlord and Squire & Partners for comment but had received no response by the time of publication.

The future of one of Chelsea’s last purpose-built artists’ studio complexes will now rest with Kensington and Chelsea’s planning committee.

 

 

View the planning application HERE

 

 

A few of the many Objection letters to the council