London council denies Classic FM owner’s plan for £180m Knightsbridge “super-home” | City A.M.
Westminster council has thwarted plans to knock two homes into one to create a 10-bedroom “super-flat” in Knightsbridge, saying it would be “unconscionable” to accept the proposals while the capital is in the midst of a housing crisis.
Ashley Tabor, owner of Classic FM, purchased a £90m penthouse in Knightsbridge next to another apartment he owned. He intended to amalgamate the two, creating a new 15,000 sq ft residence.
However, the council said today that Tabor’s plan did not meet its objective of protecting existing homes and bringing new homes to the area.
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It said it had received more than 200 proposals to knock-through adjacent homes over the last four years. If such permits were granted, the area would have lost nearly 300 houses, the council said.
In response to the outlandish demands of Kensington residents, the council said it will take a tougher stance in future by strengthening policies on “super-sized” homes when it publishes its next City Plan.
“Our aim is to ensure fairness and opportunity in housing and we refuse to sell golden postcodes to the highest bidder,” said councillor Daniel Astaire.
“This case raises issues which cut to the heart of our planning policy. It is unconscionable to accept this kind of proposal when we face a pressing housing shortage.”
Tabor’s 10-bed pad would have commanded a price tag of around £180m, and he would have had room for two kitchens, a playroom and a cinema. His purchase of his neighbour’s apartment was the most expensive residential property deal ever recorded on the Land Registry.
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