A recording studio which has played host to some of Britain’s best-known artists has won a long-running dispute over plans by a neighbour to excavate a massive basement.
Air Studios, based in Hampstead, North London, had claimed that the months of construction work required for the development would ruin their day-to-day operation.
Last year, Queen guitarist Brian May, Hollywood composer Hans Zimmer and the late George Michael were among a number of public figures who put their names to a letter published in the Daily Telegraph, warning that the future of the studio could be placed in jeopardy if the work went ahead.
The row had started when Andrew and Elizabeth Jeffreys, who live in the neighbouring property, had submitted plans to build a swimming pool, sauna and mini-cinema underneath their £10million home.
A protracted legal battle followed, but this month it was confirmed that the couple had withdrawn the controversial application. A statement from their architect, Thomas Croft, said their decision was made following confirmation that a full public inquiry would be held.
Paul Woolf, the owner and chief executive of Air Studios, said he was delighted by the news, but indicated that there could still be legal wrangles over the £200,000 that the business had spent preparing for the inquiry.
“This whole process has been a needless and abject waste of time and money. We feel the Jeffreys handled it terribly. I don’t think they understand the impact this has had on the thousands of people it has affected.
“This entire planning application has been a management distraction for us. Meanwhile, a lot of musicians and orchestras have also been waiting for this to be resolved.”
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