John Alderton: ‘You don’t need pool downstairs’

Published: 24th March, 2011
by DAN CARRIER

ACTOR John Alderton has sent a message to developers: “Don’t daydream about grandiose schemes in the heart of Hampstead.”

The TV and film and star was speaking after an application for planning permission to build a huge luxury house next door to his Grade II-listed home in Redington Road was thrown out by councillors. 

The plans would have seen a red-brick home dating from the turn of the last century knocked down and replaced with a house featuring a basement swimming pool.

Mr Alderton told the New Journal: “There are 550 homes like this in the Redington and Frognal area. If this had been granted it would have sent a signal to developers saying, ‘come and make a quick buck by knocking down our historic homes and digging out huge basements’. This sends out an important message about what people can and can’t do.”

Mr Alderton lives with actor wife Pauline Collins in an Arts and Crafts property built in 1869. It was once owned by sculptor Hamo Thornycroft, who de­signed the statue of Oliver Cromwell at the Houses of Parliament, and includes his signatures on window panes.

Mr Alderton told the meeting that the size of the new house would increase by two and a half times and the expansion would bring the new home close to his own property.

Councillors said that as  the new building would be closer to Mr Alderton’s listed property, it would alter the setting – and therefore they had no option but to reject the application. The actor said: “There was a building proposed for this site five years ago and it was turned down for the same reason.”

Upstairs Downstairs star Mr Alderton added that he hoped the popularity of digging out basements in Hampstead would come to an end. His street alone has seen 18 major applications for building work in just two years. 

He added: “I want people to sit back and relax and enjoy their homes as they are. 

“I bought my house 35 years ago and it was run down. I put it back to its original state. I was going to be an architect before I started acting, so I put it right, and then it became listed. 

“I did not feel I needed to build a basement or put in a lift.”

Dusan Savic, from architects Design Solutions, said: “I am surprised by the decision as it was recommended by planning officers. We have two options: to appeal or to rethink the plans, so the new building does not come any closer.”

He said he would be dis­cussing the issues with his client before proceeding.