The sound of Big Ben will not echo through Pimlico streets after loudspeakers blasting out its famous chimes were refused planning permission.

Westminster Council has turned down an application for eight loudspeakers to be installed as part of an art exhibition - two at the Chelsea College of Art and Design in John Islip Street, and six at Tate Britain in Millbank.

The chiming of Big Ben's bell would have sounded through the speakers every 15 minutes every day for six weeks, between 10am and 6pm.

Westminster Council's ward member for Vincent Square Cllr Duncan Sandys said: "I fail to understand what type of 'art' this is and why anyone would want to broadcast Big Ben chiming through loudspeakers when under a mile away, you can stand in Parliament Square and hear the real thing."

Estates surveyor of the University of the Arts London Mark Farthing said: "Neighbours and Westminster Council officers were invited to a sound test which took place on March 14. The noise was proven to be quieter than planes or buses going past.

"Chelsea College of Art and Design can demonstrate that considerable efforts were made to engage in constructive conversation with the neighbours, which would have led to less misinformation and misapprehension about the project, but these opportunities have not been taken up."