We don’t want a huge ‘behemoth’ office block ruining our posh town – we’re devastated at losing our M&S

RESIDENTS are up in arms over plans for a “behemoth” office block that could replace a much-loved M&S.

Thousands of locals have blasted the “wholly inappropriate” plans after a Tory council recommended the project be approved.

The plans, in super-posh Chelsea, West London, would involve knocking down the existing four-storey 1980s building.

This currently houses the M&S store and other outlets on the Kings Road.

This would be replaced by a “behemoth” five-floor office block, complete with roof terrace and courtyard at number 81-103.

Resident Graham Love fumed: “Chelsea does not need irreparable damage to its character for the sake of another empty block of prime office space that risks becoming a white elephant.”

Heritage expert, Paul Velluet, who studied the plans by Pilbrow and Partners architects, said the “height, bulk and external design” will have “seriously harmful impacts” in the area.

The Chelsea Society has also rejected the plans, saying bulldozing the block is “incompatible” with planning policy and the tower would clash with the low-rises.

The planning officers’ approval recommendation comes just two years after rival plans for a six storey building on the same site were thrown out by the council.

An M&S spokesman that after “tough and drawn-out” negotiations, they agreed with the landlord that an outlet will remain even if the development does go ahead.

Pilbrow and Partners say the design “draws inspiration from the traditional qualities of architecture in Chelsea”.

They added: “The new building will be of higher quality and offer greater energy efficiency.”