Fulham residents have hit out at plans for a hospitality suite at Chelsea FC’s ground over fears of antisocial behaviour outside their homes.
The Premier League club wants to create a new venue at Stamford Bridge for match days called the Rose and Ball.
But in a letter of objection, some residents claim to have already been inconvenienced by VIP match-goers using their street as a car park - such as the King of Spain.
However, Chelsea has vowed that a series of conditions would minimise harm to those living nearby.
“Drug taking is very visible, drunken behaviour, urination and even defecation is often seen,” said one resident in an objection to Hammersmith and Fulham Council.
“Again, think of the health issues. Just consider the implications for the elderly and families.
“One example, the King of Spain attended an event and these vehicles blocked access to our road for a lengthy period of time, engines running, fumes being emitted.”
Another added: “For a recent match we had the King of Spain’s entourage's vehicles hovering in front of our house for two hours.
“All the roads around here become a double parking waiting lot for VIPs, their drivers, and their vehicles. This is a crime and causes disorder as most of these cars are illegally parked.”
It is not clear if objectors are referring to the current king, Felipe VI, or the disgraced former king Juan Carlos, who is known to have jetted in to watch Real Madrid beat Chelsea in April.
The club is seeking permission to turn its former gym, said to have counted Hugh Grant and Lord Coe as being among its members, into the suite, which would cost a minimum of £280 per person.
It said this would be a “lower mid-level” offering compared to its more elite options which can cost nearly £10,000, and would provide inclusive drinks and food.
The club has told residents in a letter: “The facility will offer those attending matches an attractive and sophisticated environment in which to socialise before a match (for up to three hours) and after a match (for up to ninety minutes).
“All attendees will be going to the match. The facility will not increase the capacity nor attendance at matches. Rather it will provide a new amenity for some of our fans who will already be attending.”
Councillors are set to decide on the licensing application on November 8.
