Holistic architect Zoe Chan has been ordered to pay £71,800 in fines and costs after admitting to carrying out unauthorized renovations at her historic London home, a property with rare Grade II* listed status. The alterations, which included modifying the roof, eaves, and dormer windows, were found to have caused "irreversible harm to the historic fabric of the building."
Camden Council prosecuted Chan after she pleaded guilty to making alterations without planning permission or listed building consent. A district judge noted that Chan, "a professional woman with experience in property development," had been "reckless in failing to ask the relevant question - 'do I need permission?'"
The property, located in the affluent Hampstead enclave, was formerly the home of celebrated sculptor Sir Anthony Caro. Its Grade II* listed status signifies its exceptional historical and architectural importance, with such buildings making up only 5.8% of all listed structures.
Chan purchased the residence for £4.1 million in 2017 and has since undertaken a significant renovation to transform it into a "zen" wellness sanctuary named 'Ground House.' The redesign features clay walls, timber ceilings, meditation spaces, and a plunge pool. Chan maintains that she has been restoring a family home that had stood vacant and suffered from previous unsympathetic alterations.
A government planning inspector recently rejected Chan's retroactive bid to approve other unauthorized changes made to the roof, eaves, and dormer windows. The inspector concluded these alterations had harmed a "heritage asset" of the "highest significance."
Camden Council has stated its intention to take further action to ensure remedial works are undertaken to restore the building. Two additional enforcement cases related to the property are also reportedly open, following neighbor concerns about other works, including an alleged swimming pool built in place of an approved pond.
Chan, who has been featured in publications like Vogue and Tatler for her holistic design approach, maintains her intention has always been to restore the building with care and craftsmanship. She stated that structural issues in 2018 led to repairs being carried out without initial consent, for which she accepted responsibility and paid the resulting fine. She expressed disappointment with the recent planning appeal outcome concerning variations to an already approved scheme.
Camden Council reiterated its stance, emphasizing that listed buildings are protected for their historical significance and that proper consent must be sought for any alterations.
Chan stated she respects the planning process and will continue working with her team and the council to find an appropriate way forward, reaffirming her commitment to restoring and enhancing the historic building as a family home.