Thursday 14 April 2011

Moyles wins court battle

Radio 1 DJ Chris Moyles is celebrating today after defeating plans for a modern housing development near his £1.8 million north London home.

The breakfast show host argued the "garden grab" would harm wildlife, destroy trees, disturb his "peace and privacy" and encourage burglars.

The plans involved building a modern house in the grounds of a Grade II-listed Victorian villa in Archway Road, Highgate. A Forties extension to the main house, which is divided into flats, was to be replaced with an extension, and the terrace extended to include another four self-contained flats.

This week Haringey council officers claimed the proposal, by site owner Loromah Estates, would be the best way of restoring the historic house. But councillors on the planning committee threw it out after an impassioned plea from the DJ.

Moyles, 37, said: "Not only do I object to the loss of landscape and wildlife habitat, as a figure in the public eye I am particularly concerned such a development could have a detrimental effect on the privacy and peace I hugely value and which was intrinsic in my decision to move to Highgate." He said the loss of tree cover could make homes more vulnerable to burglars.

PICTURE: Matt Sprake & Andy Stone/NEWSPICS

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