Chelsea garden sheds spark 'shanty town' row

Mila Dolman, wife of Russian tycoon Andrey Dolgopolov, must demolish two designer sheds from her £4.5million Chelsea townhouse garden. Neighbours reported the structures, a summerhouse and children's playhouse, created a 'shanty town' appearance in their exclusive postcode. The property, a Grade-II listed home, was purchased in 2019.

Following neighbour complaints in May 2023, Kensington and Chelsea Council investigated. Planning officers determined the outbuildings were excessively large and incongruous features, harming the conservation area. An enforcement notice was issued in May 2024, demanding their removal.

Ms Dolman appealed, but an independent Planning Inspectorate upheld the council's decision this month, giving her two months to clear both structures. Demolition work has reportedly begun on the garden sheds.