Chelsea FC neighbours fear ‘seven-day-a-week nightclub’ at Stamford Bridge
By Jacob Phillips, Local Democracy Reporter
Neighbours fear Chelsea Football Club is going to turn Stamford Bridge into a “seven-day-a-week nightclub in all but name,” with plans to transform the stadium.
Residents near the venue have written to Hammersmith and Fulham council asking it to put an end to Chelsea FC’s plans to host gigs at the iconic ground.
The clubs wants to play live music indoors until 1am near the West Stand. Chelsea also wants to use the outdoor areas around Stamford Bridge to host gigs and films until 11pm.
But the move has alarmed neighbours and businesses.
Kate Reardon, a neighbour, wrote to Hammersmith and Fulham council asking it to turn down the football club’s plans.
She said: “My seven-year-old twins and I already feel overwhelmingly intimidated by the football fans and crowds. We are already entirely housebound on match days.
“Since birth my children have had their sleep relentlessly and systematically disturbed by the sound of aggressive men gathering outside our house and shouting late into the night.”
“To approve this application would knowingly put the residents under a wholly unacceptable intensity of risk,” she added.
“It is not appropriate that a venue licensed as a sporting venue should be allowed to become a seven-day-a-week nightclub in all but name.”
Neighbour Briony Eastman added: “The position of this marquee on the concourse where crowds of supporters walk to the stadium could cause a massive pile-up of people trying to get around the marquee, creating a grave public safety issue.”
Residents have also complained that Fulham Road could become blocked up, making it harder for ambulances to reach Chelsea and Westminster hospital.
Some neighbours are trying to raise money to hire lawyers to help them fight the plans. More than £5,300 has been raised so far.
Hammersmith and Fulham council are set to make a decision on the plans on February 8. Chelsea FC has been contacted for comment.
Pictured top: Chelsea fans make their way to game at Stamford Bridge (Picture: PA)