Murdered Pensioner Alan Chappelow's house will not be rebuilt
Published: 6 May, 2010
by DAN CARRIER
THE derelict home of murdered pensioner Alan Chappelow will remain empty for the foreseeable future – after councillors threw out a bid to demolish the grade II-listed building.
Plans that would have seen the Georgian house in Downshire Hill, Hampstead, demolished and replaced with an exact replica on the outside – but with a swimming pool and gym carved out underneath – were rejected on Thursday. The decision, which ignored officers’ advice, was made on the casting vote of the chairman, Conservative councillor Roger Freeman.
Neighbour Wang Yam was convicted of killing Mr Chappelow, at the Old Bailey in January last year. The house has remained empty since the killing there in 2006 and its ramshackle appearance meant architectural historians recommended it be demolished completely. The owner, Ringline Properties, headed by one of Mr Chappelow’s neighbours, is considering an appeal against the planners’ decision. A company spokesman said: “We are disappointed at the committee’s decision on the casting vote of the chairman and against the advice of the director of planning.
“We are considering our options and may appeal to the planning inspectorate.”