Neighbours have described a decision to approve a "gigantic" dementia care home in a conservation area as an "abomination".

Two original mock Tudor arts and crafts houses in Hampstead Lane, Hampstead, will be demolished after Haringey Council's planning subcommittee unanimously approved SM Planning’s plans for a four storey, 66-bed care home with an underground car park.

Speaking after the decision, James Leof, of Courtenay Avenue, called the home “an abomination.”

The meeting on Thursday, May 11 heard that the home, to be built by developer Harrison Varma Projects, will be in a conservation area between "billionaires' row" Bishops Avenue and Far Field in Courtenay Avenue, Highgate.

Objectors warned councillors the "overbearing scale" of the scheme would "destroy" the conservation area.

The home will be made up of two four-storey buildings with a "glazed link" and balconies “to break up the massing".

It will provide 24-hour nursing care, with 11 parking spaces in the basement, seven in the forecourt and storage for 42 bicycles.

Hundreds of people objected, as well as organisations including Historic England.

Matt Brewer, speaking on behalf of the Courtenay Avenue Home Owners' Association and Highgate Society, said the "out of keeping" building would "erode” the heritage interest of the area. 

Calling pedestrian and vehicle access “unacceptable," he said the car entrance in Courtenay Road would see 47 trips a day and should be made pedestrian.

James Leof, of Courtenay Avenue, and Cllr Alex Worrell both raised questions about drainage and flooding.

Architect Andrew Goodchild said surface water was running onto the site from Kenwood House and Gardens opposite, and pledged to improve the situation.

Planning agent Stuart Minty said four mature trees would be felled to provide a circular dementia garden, but these would be replaced by 15 mature and new trees.

The meeting heard the home would be for Haringey residents, but there would be no affordable rooms and the company could look outside the borough if rooms are empty.

Councillors queried how it relieved pressure on the NHS.

Mr Minty said: "I do believe this type of facility will relieve pressure because the people who can afford to pay will go there and that will free up beds in other areas."