Tracey Emin’s proposal to replace a historic Twenties building with a modernist house and studio has been unanimously rejected by planners.
The artist wants to replace a listed three-storey property in Spitalfields with a contemporary five-floor home connected to her studio next door.
Last night, Tower Hamlets planning committee turned down the proposal after objections from residents, campaigners and heritage groups.
Emin, however, had pre-emptively lodged an appeal with the Government’s Planning Inspectorate. It is expected to rule on whether to have an inquiry or hearing to decide the application.
Paul Buckenham, development manager at the council, said: “Whatever form the appeal takes, officers will vigorously defend the committee’s decision.”
Emin, a former Turner prize nominee, paid £4 million for the studio at Tenter Ground in 2008.
The designs from David Chipperfield Architects for a house next door involved knocking down a building in Bell Lane, which Historic England said “illustrates aspects of social history in the East End during the first half of the 20th century”.
Save Britain’s Heritage called the proposed home “angular and blank”.
Emin, 52, did not attend the committee meeting.
