Chris Moyles and residents win battle against flats plan for historic Highgate site

Plans for a development that would have overlooked the gardens of Highgate residents – including Chris Moyles – have been kicked into the long grass.

Developers appealed Haringey Council’s decision to refuse plans to squeeze flats and a five-bedroom house onto the same site as Grade II-listed Victorian villa in Archway Road.

But planning inspector David Prentis upheld the council’s original ruling and said the development would harm the setting of the historic building and detract from the character and appearance of the Highgate Conservation Area.

Keith Gold, who lives in nearby Highgate Avenue and opposed the plans, said: “The impact of the modern carbuncle [the house] in the back garden of a listed building was a step too far.

“That with the destruction of some trees did really incense the locals and we’re delighted that the planning inspector ruled in our favour.”

Residents were up in arms after it was claimed that developers cut down trees on garden land, removing screening that ensured privacy for homes including that of Radio 1 DJ Moyles.

Last year the Ham&High revealed a Second World War air raid shelter had been unearthed on the site, sparking hopes that the land could become listed.

Despite this latest setback for developers, the council has already given the go-ahead for alternative plans to renovate the listed building and build a block of flats, which residents are not opposed to.