Developer’s have submitted revised plans to build an extra floor above comedian Ricky Gervais’ office – triggering a fresh battle over one of Hampstead’s most cherished lanes.

A scheme to add a new storey with a mansard roof above the building in Perrin’s Court, Hampstead, which also houses Savills estate agents and was formerly home to the Ham&High, was refused planning permission in the face of widespread opposition in November.

Residents, traders and councillors argued that the unique character and “tranquillity” of the pedestrianised lane would have been wrecked by the extension, which planning officers agreed was “over dominant and inharmonious”.

The developer has now returned with a modified version of the proposal, which still includes an extra storey comprising of two flats.

Camden Council has already received a number of objections.

Tim Goss, who lives next door and is the son of former Ham&High proprietor Arthur Goss, who built the office in 1961, said: “This second attempt at ruining Perrin’s Court does not answer the objections that resulted in the mansard roof proposal being thrown out last year.”