The Royal Hospital Chelsea, home to Chelsea Pensioners, has been accused of “excessive commercialisation” after announcing plans to host boxing matches on its grounds.
The historic venue, which first opened in 1692 and is home to around 300 veterans, already has permission from Kensington and Chelsea Council to host live music until late at night 30 days a year, and can also sell alcohol in its main premises, which include a private site in Burton's Court.
Members of the council's licensing subcommittee are due to decide on Thursday whether to grant a new licence that would allow the hospital to conduct “boxing or wrestling” between the hours of 10am and 11pm, subject to a combination of previous conditions.
The hospital told the council's licensing committee it wanted “the opportunity to consider a military boxing event which could be attended by Chelsea pensioners”, but the plans were described as “excessive” by the Chelsea Association.
One of the objectors, Charles Southern, chairman of the Smith and Woodfall Street Residents Association, wrote: “This application would allow events on a totally different scale at the Royal Hospital and should be opposed. The commercialisation of the site has gone too far. This is the home of Chelsea Pensioners, not a prime event space for corporate entertainment. This licence extension goes even further in that direction.”
There were 48 objections in total, with one local resident warning that noise and “criminal activity as a result of alcohol abuse” would be “a danger to families” and “naturally affect everyone's property values”.
The council's noise and nuisance team said there had been no complaints about past events at the hospital, but only one resident supported the plans.
“Following a period of consultation, we have decided to simplify and consolidate our licences into a single facility licence,” the hospital said.
“Some residents have voiced opposition to the application but we would like to assure local residents that there will be no major changes to current arrangements or opening hours.”