Chelsea 'mega boats' served eviction notice

Two large houseboats in west London have been served an eviction notice over concerns that they spoil the view of the River Thames.

Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council officers handed The Zephyr and The Pacifica the notice on Wednesday.

Both have eight months to leave Chelsea Reach Harbour unless an appeal is lodged by 19 June.

Leaseholder Chelsea Yacht and Boat Company said the council stated three times there was no planning breach.

It previously warned that if it appealed, the council's "taxpayer funds" would be put at "serious risk" by its decision.

In February, councillors unanimously agreed to evict three houseboats, The Iris, The Pacifica and The Zephyr, which vary in size from one to three bedrooms.

In doing so, councillors overruled their own officers who claimed there were no grounds for eviction.

Councillors re-approved the eviction during a meeting on Tuesday evening.

They had been asked to review the February decision after The Iris left voluntarily.

Gerard Hargreaves, Conservative councillor for Chelsea Riverside, called the vessels "mega boats" that were "no way in keeping with the landscape".

He said: "Chelsea Riverside is a uniquely beautiful neighbourhood on London's iconic riverside.

"The community has felt very strongly that action should be taken - a position I have supported, along with my fellow ward councillors.

"I have admired the community's resilience, dignity and perseverance throughout the process."

Labour's parliamentary candidate for Chelsea and Fulham, Ben Coleman, called the decision an "important victory" for the community.

He said in a social media post: "Enforcement action will now be taken against the predatory landlord and his horrendous megabarges. We fight on to save this iconic Chelsea River community."

Following the council's initial decision in February, the Chelsea Yacht and Boat Company said it would appeal the decision as no planning breach had occurred.

A spokesperson said at the time: "This decision, taken by a small group of councillors against the advice of RBKC's [Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea] own officers, leader and legal experts, puts taxpayer funds at serious risk because, as the council leader has warned, any enforcement action would leave the council open to challenge at appeal, including a cost challenge."

The Iris, The Pacifica and The Zephyr were introduced to the mooring between June and September 2023.

The Iris was taken to dry dock for repairs in December 2023.

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