Development plan for comedy star Ricky Gervais’s office rejected once again

Much-maligned plans to enlarge the Ham&High’s former office in a picturesque Hampstead alleyway have been thrown out for the second time in less than 12 months.

A second proposal to add an extra storey to the 1960s building in Perrin’s Court – occupied by estate agent Savills and comedy megastar Ricky Gervais – was recently rejected by Camden Council planning officers.

The building’s owner was hoping to build a single two-bed flat in the proposed third storey.

The previous design, rejected last November, included two one-bed properties in the additional floor.

Residents, traders, councillors and the building’s original architect Mayer Hillman, now a renowned social scientist, argued another floor would have robbed one of Hampstead Village’s “most charming and tranquil corners” of light and character, transforming it into a “gloomy tunnel”.

In rejecting the latest application, Camden’s planning team described it as “over dominant and inharmonious”, potentially “detrimental to the amenities of the area generally”, and raised concerns about neighbours’ loss of light and privacy.

Ali Demir, manager of Mani’s cafe, opposite the site in Perrin’s Court, said: “We’re pleased because everyone here and around Hampstead objected.

“It would have had a terrible effect on the street’s character.”

The applicant’s agent, Joaquin Dabezies of Cooley Architects, declined to comment on whether there are plans for an appeal or a third application.