Lord Melvyn Bragg and how the new house will look

RESIDENTS, including one of the UK’s best-known broadcasters, are urging council planners to reject a bid to flatten two garages and build a new six-bedroom home.

If approved, the plan by owner Alon Mekel would see a three-storey “family” home with a basement built on the site of the garages in Hampstead.

Neighbours, including Radio 4 presenter Lord Melvyn Bragg, who fronted ITV’s The South Bank Show, said it would “tower over” his home, which he had bought to live in for the rest of his life.

In an objection to the Town Hall, he said: “When in 1979 I bought [my home], two of my priorities were light and privacy. The drawings on the website show that these two aspects would be severely affected and these are not my only objections. I believe this development would tower over my home, thereby completely changing its character and ambiance for ever.”

He added: “As my house sits within a conservation area, I have consulted a heritage expert. “Whilst I have yet to receive his full report, his initial reaction was that the proposed development is, to quote him, ‘outrageous’.”

Lord Bragg, 81, praised conservation volunteers, such as the Heath and Hampstead Society, who have also objected.

“It is largely because of people like them that this area and the Heath have retained their integrity over such a long period,” he added. In its own objection, the Society has described the proposals for the new building as “totally unacceptable” and “absurdly tall”.

Audrey Mandela, chair of the street’s residents’ association, said the plan needed to be thrown out over an “inappropriate mass”, increased flood risk, loss of privacy and views, and the impact on the area’s green space.

Faye Wright, from ­Forward Planning and Development, who is acting for Mr Mekel, said in the planning application: “His family want to remain in Hampstead and establish [the proposed new house in] as their forever home. “[They] are anxious to ensure the house is a positive asset to the character and appearance of the area.”

Pre-planning advice from Camden suggested that the plan for a four-floor home was too high.

Ms Wright told the New Journal: “The application for a new family home for the owner of the site is in line with Camden and CLA guidelines. Through the consultation process we have amended the scheme to ensure there are no overlooking or privacy issues for neighbours either side or behind the three-storey house.

“The proposed height is identical to the adjacent property. We are hoping that the application is determined soon.”