Plans to build a new mansion with a three-storey basement in an enclave on the edge of Hampstead Heath have been given the go ahead by Camden planners.

Ham & High: Plans for the three-storey basementPlans for the three-storey basement (Image: Archant)

The decision flies in the face of a flood of 60 written objections from neighbours and local groups who say the “iceberg” basement and scale and bulk of the house to be built in Fitzroy Park is an overdevelopment which will harm the character of the leafy enclave.

Protesters are also concerned about the construction process and the impact of the many hundreds of HGV movements described in the developers Construction Management Plan on semi-rural track Millfield Lane and Fitzroy Park over a two-year period

They fear this would add to the impact of construction traffic already being generated by the Hampstead Heath Ponds Project and another planning application just yards away for a four bedroom home with basement to replace the Water House, opposite the entrance to Kenwood Ladies’ Pond.

Together, the proposed new homes total more than 22,000sq ft of development – the equivalent of a small estate of 23 three-bedroom homes each at the average UK size of about 925sq ft.

Sarah Saunders wrote: “The movement of lorries and materials along the lane will be totally unacceptable. It is a much loved rural pathway used by many people and the proposed works would effectively destroy the lane.”

The proposals have been submitted to the council by Svetlana Volossov and her husband who wish to demolish the current home on the site, which Mrs Volossov bought for £3.75million in 2013, and replace it with a new three-storey family home.

The scheme includes plans for a three-storey basement to accommodate a swimming pool, steam room, gym and cinema.

Member of Camden’s development control committee voted in favour of the new home tonight.

A full report of the meeting will be in next week’s Ham&High.