Two prominent London millionaires are engaged in a planning dispute over renovations proposed for one of their properties, which the other claims would infringe upon his privacy. The conflict centers on plans by Luke Stovell, a partner at a hedge fund support consultancy, to upgrade his six-bedroom Victorian home in the exclusive 'The Toast Rack' enclave near Wandsworth Common.
Stovell, who purchased the property for £5,825,000 three years ago with his partner Alex Waite, intends to install floor-to-ceiling windows, a terrace, lightwells, a substantial side extension, and an extended basement. These renovations aim to enhance views of Wandsworth Common. However, the side of the house slated for these changes directly faces the mansion of legendary investor Nick Sleep, valued at over £10 million.
Sleep and his wife Serita argue that the proposed alterations would allow Stovell's bathroom, sitting room, kitchen, balcony, and garden to be in 'direct line of sight' of their home. They have lodged objections, stating that the enlargement and removal of obscure glazing from the windows would make their family feel "overlooked within our property and private garden."
Sleep, known in financial circles for a reported 921% return on investment over 13 years with early successes in companies like Costco and Amazon, emphasized that his property currently enjoys privacy due to frosted south-facing windows. He contends that the proposed changes would compromise this privacy, particularly given the potential for more intensified use of the renovated spaces.
The plans were initially rejected in May by Wandsworth Council, which cited the project as being of "excessive scale, bulk, and inappropriate design" and stated it would "harm the character and appearance of the host property." The council's Head of Development Management, Nick Calder, specifically noted that the proposed terrace, due to its size and location, would lead to increased overlooking and a loss of privacy.
Other neighbors have also raised concerns. Simon Munyard expressed worry that the extended terrace could negatively impact his garden's privacy and allow direct visibility into his bedroom. Roger Armstrong, a surveyor and local historian, commented on the design, suggesting a proposed flat-roofed bay could be incongruous and that the issue of overlooking the adjacent property needed addressing.
Despite the council's rejection, Stovell appealed the decision earlier this month. In a 106-page document, he challenged the council's ruling, questioning why similar renovation plans have been approved for other properties on Baskerville Road. He argued that his design is considered and site-specific, responding to constraints and the surrounding area's character. Stovell also accused the council of an "overly rigid interpretation of design policy," suggesting his end-of-terrace property warrants special consideration due to its architectural distinctiveness.
The dispute highlights a clash over development and privacy in a highly desirable London neighborhood, with a decision on Stovell's appeal pending.