Riverside Studios has been given the go-ahead to demolish the arts centre and create a new theatre, cinema and 165 homes.

Developer Mount Anvil was granted permission for the riverside regeneration scheme in Crisp Road, Hammersmith at a planning meeting last night (Dec 19).

But residents remain concerned about the six to eight storey height and the fact the community arts centre will be replaced with a private facility.

The development has divided opinion locally and in the worlds of art and architecture.

TV stars Bill Bailey, Alistair McGowan and Jo Brand have shown their support for the development, but artist Sir Peter Blake and architect Richard Rogers have spoken out against the shape of the redevelopment.

Michael Anderson, secretary of the Crisp Road Residents Association said: “We will continue to campaign on issues such as the fact Riverside Studios Trust will no longer be a community arts centre but basically turned into a private television studios.”

He added: “We are all in favour of a development at Riverside Studios. It simply could’ve had a much more beneficial and iconic building in place of what is already the iconic building in Hammersmith.”

Mr Anderson said residents may apply for a judicial review on the basis that the tall development is set within a conservation area and would affect the view to Hammersmith Bridge which is protected, but he conceded ‘this would be an uphill struggle’.

“We will be working with Richard Rogers and other luminaries who have come out against this and get public opinion to help shape what the internal designs will be like,” he told the Chronicle.

Clive Fenton, chief executive of Mount Anvil, said: “We are pleased the council has supported our vision for Riverside Studios and now look forward to working with all stakeholders to bring this scheme, and the many benefits it delivers, to life.”

Councillor Mark Loveday, cabinet member for strategy and communication, supported the regeneration project.

He said: “The site has been run down for some time but this plan brings the riverside and this area back to life. The new studios will continue to develop the arts in our borough and will attract even more first class acts to the borough than before.”

Mount Anvil will contribute £3.2million towards community projects including improving local transport, roads, parks, playgrounds, health care and job opportunities in the area.

The proposals include 8,600 sqm of commercial recording studios, storage, dressing rooms, offices, a theatre, cinema, café, restaurant and bar. The scheme will also open up the riverside walk to the public.