Next-door neighbour Oliver Froment fears his home could be damaged if the basement excavation goes ahead. Picture: Nigel Sutton (Image: � Nigel Sutton email pictures@nigelsuttonphotography.com)
A controversial plan to build a lavish basement leisure complex has been recommended for approval by Camden Council’s planning officers.
The plan to build a cinema, library and games room beneath a £3.6million house in Pilgrim’s Lane, Hampstead, goes before councillors on a development control committee tonight.
The Countess of Listowel, Lady Pamela Hare, who lives behind the house, has previously joined dozens of residents in opposing the scheme.
In 2011, the council rejected an earlier design for the basement that included a swimming pool.
The house is well-known for a ship’s mermaid figurehead that protrudes from its front and was installed by its former owner, the late Norwegian businesswoman Ingeborg Lane.
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