Millionaires fear a memorial to commemorate Queen Elizabeth II in St James Park could spark an increase in anti-social behaviour and muggings.
Plans to build the statue of the late Queen, as well as a new bridge in the central London park, have been submitted to Westminster City Council.
The memorial has been described as an ‘exceptional opportunity to commemorate and celebrate a figure beloved worldwide,’ by the architects behind the plans.
But millionaire locals are not happy about the proposals as the Queen Anne’s Gate Residents Association has been firmly opposed to them, the Telegraph reports.
The association, which represents those living in the exclusive area, alleges the memorial could spark a rise in crime as well as anti-social behaviour.
They have cited rough sleeping, illegal cycling in the park, as well as muggings as part of their worries.
In January alone, there were 1,078 incidents of theft and anti-social behaviour in the area, with 14,986 in total over the last 12 months, according to police data.
The residents have also suggested the statue would cause a boom in tourism, which would inflict ‘harm’ on the Grade I-listed park as well as cause congestion chaos.
Locals also inferred that the Queen, who was ‘known for her thrift and frugality’ may not have backed plans with such huge construction and maintenance costs.
Plans to build the statue of the Queen Elizabeth II (pictured), as well as a new bridge in the central London park, have been submitted to Westminster City Council
However, millionaire locals fear the new memorial will spark a surge of muggers and anti-social behaviour in the Grade-I listed park
‘Our members are concerned that several elements of the proposal will facilitate increased crime and anti-social behaviour,’ the association said.
‘The creation of new hiding spaces for muggers and the creation of new spaces for overnight sleeping.’
The group said while they acknowledged the want to commemorate the late Queen, ‘a major physical transformation’ of the park was not ‘necessary or proportionate’.
Meanwhile, the 18th-century properties surrounding the famed St James Park have been labelled as ‘the best of their kind in London’.
Over the years, star-studded residents have included the likes of Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming, the founder of MI6, as well as Sting, the bassist for the Police.
The statue of the late head of state is set to be built in the park, in a section that will be called Queen Elizabeth II Place at Malborough Gate, a stone’s throw away from Buckingham Palace.
Sculptor Martin Jennings, who previously created a bust of the late Queen Mother in St Paul’s Cathedral, will create the piece.
He is also the artist behind the first crowned coinage portrait of King Charles III.
The memorial monument will be located at the end of a glass bridge, designed by architects Fosters and Partners.
Last year, they won a competition to design a national tribute to the beloved late Queen, who reigned over the country for seven decades.
Meanwhile, conservationists have alleged that critiques of the plan were ‘not welcomed or addressed’ in a recent public consultation.
Westminster City Council has since given the plans conditional approval just under two months after they were submitted.
They said that any ‘harm is fully outweighed by the substantial public benefits of the scheme’ of constructing a ‘national memorial of great importance’.
A government spokesperson said: ‘The Queen Elizabeth Memorial will be a beautiful space for people to come together to reflect on and celebrate our longest-reigning Monarch.
‘The final plans are subject to an ongoing planning process.’
Westminster City Council declined to comment, as the planning process is ongoing.
The Daily Mail has approached the Metropolitan Police and the Cabinet Office for comment.
