Summary
The owner of a historic townhouse in London's Mayfair has been told they must remove an unauthorized basement and restore original features of the building after completing renovations without permission. Westminster City Council discovered these changes harmed the building's historic value and has denied the owner's appeal against this decision.
Key Facts
- The townhouse is a listed 18th-century building located in Mayfair, London.
- The owner built a basement without getting planning permission, which is required for changes to historic buildings.
- In 2010, the owner's application for these changes was denied because it would affect the building's historical significance.
- Despite the denial, a large new basement was built, and historical features like panelling and fireplaces were removed.
- Westminster City Council has ordered that the basement be filled in, and original features restored.
- The current sub-basement includes a cinema, gym, and sauna that must be removed.
- The restoration work is expected to cost hundreds of thousands of pounds and must be completed within 12 months.
- The council stressed the importance of following planning rules and protecting historical properties.
