Angry neighbour accuses broadcaster of 'cultural vandalism'

Artist's impression, which also shows the next door house

Hounslow Council's Planning Committee has approved a plan by broadcaster Jamie Theakston to build a two-storey house in the back garden of his Barrowgate Road home despite objections from local residents that it would be "cultural vandalism".

Neighbours who complained about the application said if the house was built, it would harm the character of the conservation area. The house next door is owned by the son of the late Richard Attenborough, Michael who says he may consider leaving his home of thirty years because of the proximity of the new building. 68-year-old Mr. Attenborough said he did not understand why Mr Theakston came to live in a conservation area and then set about wanting to change things.

Permission had previously been refused to turn the building, a coach house which was originally the home of Queen Victoria's undertaker, into a gym and indoor pool for Mr. Theakston. It is estimated that the new house could fetch over £2 million if it was put up for sale in the near future.

The coach house which will be demolished

The proposal is for the erection of a new two-storey, four bedroom family home fronting Burlington Gardens, following demolition of the existing ancillary building to the rear of 31 Barrowgate Road. Several letters opposed to the application were received by Hounslow Council including claims it would harm the character and appearance of the Conservation Area, cause parking congestion, and impose on privacy and cause loss of light.

The planning application was 'called in' for discussion at Chiswick Area Forum last year by councillor Peter Thompson because of local concerns. It was then decided to refer the decision to the Planning Committee for consideration.

The report submitted by Hounslow Council’s planning officers said, “The design of the new house would preserve the character and appearance of the Wellesley Road Conservation Area, and would not harm neighbours’ living conditions. The proposed accommodation would be of a satisfactory standard and appropriate mitigation measures and landscaping conditions would protect retained trees in the vicinity of the site.”

The Committee granted permission subject to the conditions stated in the report. There are eighteen conditions related to windows and building rules.

Council planners acknowledged in their report that a previous application for an outbuilding at the site was refused owing to harm caused to neighbour’s amenity. However they found the current application was significantly different to that pervious scheme in relation to its position, scale and impact. This application had been assessed on its own merits.

They found that the proposed building would be of an appropriate design that responds to
the Victorian architectural vernacular present in the vicinity of the site and would preserve the character and appearance of the Wellesley Road Conservation Area.

The television presenter, producer, and actor is best known for hosting Top of the Pops, co-hosting the breakfast show with Emma Bunton on Heart FM and also for narrating the BBC documentary series Traffic Cops and Motorway Cops.

The father-of-two bought his five bedroom home with a garden over 120 foot long, in 2010 for £3.8 million. The family then undertook a renovation project that took over two years, and the house was put up for sale for £6.5 million in 2013. Had it sold, it would have been the second most expensive house ever sold in Chiswick.

Mr. Theakston said he fully supported his neighbours' right to appeal and "we have ensured that throughout the process all of their concerns have been addressed and the plans have been constantly adapted to accommodate these."

March 10, 2018