Star Wars Daisy Ridley defeats the Nimbys after winning a two-year battle with conservationists to turn a dilapidated £1.85 million home into a family home
- Daisy Ridley’s Camden home was a bedroom in dire need of restoration
- She applied to transform the Grade II listed building with a £1 million upgrade
- The council wondered whether it would tackle ‘the climate crisis’
- Celebrities who live nearby include Bond actor Daniel Craig and singer Craig David
Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley has won a two-year battle with conservationists to turn a dilapidated £1.85 million home into a family home.
The Force Awakens star, who plays Rey Skywalker in the franchise, had applied to transform the Grade II listed terrace house with a £1 million upgrade, including a roof extension with rear patio.
Despite the fact that an earlier planning application was discarded after objections by the municipality, the proposals have now been given the green light.
BATTLER: Actress Daisy Ridley as Rey Skywalker in Star Wars
The property in Camden Town, north London, was an unlicensed Home of Multiple Occupation (HMO), divided into small sitting rooms. The building has a leaking roof, cracked walls, an overgrown garden and is in urgent need of restoration.
Daisy, 30, applied to Camden Council for an extension to the rear kitchen following the demolition of an existing ground floor extension and two outbuildings, including internal and external restoration.
The Camden Town Conservation Area Advisory Committee warned that supporting the sagging property could cause ‘unrest’ in neighbours’ homes and that light from the kitchen ‘would cause significant light pollution in the backyard, causing light to shine on the rear facade’ ”.
They also questioned whether the upgrade would comply with measures to address ‘the climate emergency’ through appropriate insulation and an assessment of the use of ‘alternative energy sources’.
Daisy’s new plans — which include a separate dining and living room, powder room, shower and laundry room on the first floor, and a new master bedroom and master bathroom on the second floor — have received a guarded reception from the local conservation committee, that of civil society groups. , residents’ associations and historical groups.
Officials gave the green light after there were no objections from neighbors.
The actress’s home in Camden Town, north London, was an unlicensed Home of Multiple Occupation (HMO) divided into small sitting rooms and has a leaking roof, cracked walls and an overgrown yard.
Urban planner Obote Hope: ‘The size, scale, design and location of the proposed changes are not considered to detract from the special architectural and historical significance of the listed building or the character of the surrounding protected area.’
Other celebrities who live in the area include James Bond actor Daniel Craig and singer Craig David.
In a draft statement, Ridley’s planning agent said: “The proposal is to substantially refurbish and extend the property, which is currently in serious disrepair.”
Daisy, reportedly engaged to actor Tom Bateman, is the great niece of playwright and actor Arnold Ridley, who played Private Godfrey in Dad’s Army.