Lorry plan for Heath mansion is stopped in its tracks

TOWN Hall planners have halted plans to build a modern mansion on the edge of the Heath.

At a meeting last night councillors threw out plans to send 24-tonne trucks down Millfield Lane for the Fitzroy Farm development.

Builders Millament needed the access permission in order to demolish the farm and replace it with a neo-classical house, complete with 10-metre deep two-storey basement and swimming pool.

Planning officers had recommended the access plan to be approved, but councillors broke ranks in the face of mounting opposition from residents, pond swimmers and community groups, including the Highgate Society and the City of London Corporation.

Monty Python star Terry Jones even joined protestors when they hired a 24-tonne truck to show the extent of the feared problems.

"I cannot believe they recommended this for approval," said Vaughan Thomas, who lives in Fitzroy Park and set up the protest website www.fitzroyfarm.com.

"We have now had in the region of 450 emails sent to us, by people who have been quite passionate in their opposition. We have had some from fourth generation Heath users."

At the same meeting, planners gave the green light for the Kenwood Concerts to go ahead.

For more reactions to the news, see next week's Ham&High.