Natural History Museum kiosks ‘turn it into a cheap fairground'

The grounds of the Natural History Museum are being turned into a "cheap fairground", residents claimed today.

They are objecting to the museum's plan to continue selling drinks, snacks and ice creams from two kiosks on the East Lawn.

It was granted planning permission for the huts — as well as 30 tables, 60 chairs and two large umbrellas — last summer, on condition that they were taken down this month.

The museum has now applied to extend that until October. Resident Julie Robbins said: "They have turned the front lawn into a cheap fairground: there are changing colour lights at night, an enormous carousel, huge, ugly food huts and the ice rink."

Sharon Ament, director of public engagement at the museum, said: "The kiosks have been a benefit to visitor facilities. Visiting the outside events is an educational and inspiring
experience."

The application will be discussed at Kensington and Chelsea's planning committee on Thursday.
Bright lights: the ice rink on the East Lawn of the Natural History Museum