Tamara Ecclestone causes row with Knightsbridge chippy

Knightsbridge residents are outraged at plans by F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone's daughter to open a fish and chip shop in a conservation area.

Socialite Tamara Ecclestone bought the Swag and Tails, her father's local for decades, last year and was plunged instantly into a row with neighbours over her ideas for the business.

Those living nearby argued successfully that an influx of late-night revellers would destroy the peace of the area. Now the Ecclestone family has angered them further by seeking to have a chip shop.

Although plans for the pub building in Fairholt Street have yet to be submitted, a window neon "Fish and Chips" sign that flashes until midnight has been installed.

Carol Seymour-Newton, of the Knightsbridge Association, said: "We're absolutely appalled by the plans, although I think putting the sign up is a little tongue in cheek.

"This is an incredibly picturesque area, with a lot of small houses, and a neon sign simply isn't appropriate."

Malcolm Atkins, 57, a corporate investor who lives opposite the pub and has met Mr Ecclestone once, said: "This is just a further example of him riding roughshod over the neighbours.

"Unfortunately a garish neon sign has now been erected advertising fish and chips, albeit the building is gutted and unable to be occupied, let alone traded from, without planning consent.

"Indeed the sign itself requires planning consent, which would not be forthcoming in a conservation area.

"There can be absolutely no justification in erecting this sign other than to irritate residents and put pressure on the local authority and, if so, it demonstrates a churlish and childish attitude."

Tamara Ecclestone, 26, a former Sky Sports presenter, paid £1.7 million for the Swag and Tails and is listed as sole owner on Land Registry documents. Minutes from Harrods, its neighbours include Chelsea FC owner Roman Abramovich and actor Hugh Grant.

Miss Ecclestone first planned to rebuild the 30-seat pub with treble the capacity and later opening hours. In February she submitted plans to Westminster City Council, including increasing five-day opening to seven days. That application was rejected after scores of protests that it would become a "destination pub" for noisy revellers. Last month Mr Ecclestone, who lives in a nearby penthouse, said: "Residents are never happy about anything. We will overcome that. We will turn it into a fish-and-chip shop and we will get a lot of people coming."