Fears over the future of a popular fringe theatre in Earl's Court have been soothed after a planning appeal was rejected.

The team at Finborough Theatre had claimed plans to convert a flat above the venue into three separate apartments could lead to the pint-sized theatrical powerhouse closing.

Artistic director Neil McPherson claimed the building work would disrupt performances in the 50-seat auditorium , which sits above a wine bar in Finborough Road.

He also said the conversion could result in noise abatement orders which would force the acclaimed theatre to close.

The plans were rejected by Kensington and Chelsea Council last year and that decision has now been upheld by The Planning Inspectorate following an appeal by the developer.

'Flats would have threatened future of valued cultural facility'

A planning inspector ruled that construction work would cause "significant disruption" to productions at the theatre.

She also found that proposed noise insulation measures were insufficient to overcome the risk of disturbance to future occupants from the theatre.

She said this could lead to them seeking an abatement notice, which would harm the long-term future of the "valued cultural facility".

The ruling was welcomed by London Assembly member Tom Copley, who tweeted that he was "really delighted" by the decision.

The Labour politician had written to oppose the appeal, stating that the conversion would make it "impossible for the Finborough to continue as a working theatre".

He said London had lost too many cultural venues recently and the Finborough was a "local landmark" and one of London's "most important" theatres.