Michael Hammerson, of the Athlone House Working Group, said pulling down the Victorian pile would be 'disastrous' 

Published: 8 August, 2014
by PAVAN AMARA

PLANNING chiefs have rejected a bid to build an eight-bedroom mega-mansion on the site of Athlone House.

The Victorian pile, which overlooks Hampstead Heath, would have been demolished under the £80million plans. The Hampstead Lane mansion has roof terraces with views across London. Planning officers recommended that councillors refuse the plans.

The previous owner was allowed to build luxury flats in the gardens after signing a legally-binding Section 106 agreement to restore Athlone House in 2005.

Michael Hammerson, of the Athlone House Working Group, told Thursday night’s planning committee: “Destroying an important building of heritage with no public benefit would set a precedent that would be disastrous. 

“I take exception to the house being referred to as derelict, because it wasn’t when we last saw it. Surely, it can’t be, because the developers undertook to maintain it and Camden have been monitoring this.”

Labour councillor Sue Vincent said it was “outrageous” that flats had been built and sold and the house not restored as agreed. Green councillor Sian Berry said the council’s “only option should be restoration”.