University professors oppose B&B plans for historic Bull and Last pub

Two university professors have opposed plans to build bed-and-breakfast rooms above a historic pub at the entrance to Hampstead Heath.

The Bull and Last in Highgate Road, Dartmouth Park, has applied to knock down a single-storey extension in an alleyway next to the pub and build a two-storey block over four floors to provide two new flats.

Owner Joe Swiers also wants to create six bed-and-breakfast rooms above the pub and move its kitchen into the basement.

But the plans have sparked concern from neighbours, including Gabrielle Griffin, a professor of women’s studies, and Simon Gunn, a professor of urban history.

In a joint objection to Camden Council, they wrote: “The building of a 4-storey house (including the proposed new basement) at the rear of the pub will effectively block off all light to our ground-floor kitchen.”

Architect WMG Studio wrote in its application: “The proposed development seeks to expand and improve on the quality of the pub, whilst also preserving the character of the building.”