Saatchi irks neighbours by bringing food on to streets

CHARLES Saatchi has infuriated neighbours of his Chelsea gallery with plans to allow outdoor dining.

The art collector and husband of TV chef Nigella Lawson is to open a 172-cover restaurant and bar next to his Grade II-listed gallery at the Duke of York's Headquarters in Sloane Square. Planning officers are expected to give it the go-ahead today.

But residents are outraged at the scheme to put at least 60 tables and chairs on the terrace outside.

David Roe, who lives in Cheltenham Terrace, overlooking the site, said: "There will be smells from food, uncleared tables, items such as napkins on the ground, unemptied ashtrays and the usual muck of a restaurant in use and there will, of course, be a substantial amount of almost constant noise."

The Chelsea Society also objects to the plan on the grounds that once it is open there is a strong risk the opening hours - currently planned to be 8am to 11.30pm - will "creep later and later".

However, the council's planning department supports the scheme.

A spokeswoman for the gallery would not comment.