Tarrant fears neighbour will see him in bathing suit after extension

2023-05-21

Chris Tarrant demands the freedom to strip off at home: Former ITV host, 76, asks Westminster council to block an ‘oppressive’ extension on privacy grounds over fears his neighbour’s extra floor will provide a bird’s eye view of him in his ‘bathing suit’

Former Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? presenter is leading a campaign
He warned proposals to expand mews houses is ‘oppressive’ to their needs
He said Westminster Council would set a ‘dangerous precedent’ if approved

Chris Tarrant is leading a campaign on behalf of his neighbours to block a ‘mini-Dubai’ development which he fears would stop him from basking in the sunshine in his bathing suit.

The former Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? presenter is going to war with Westminster Council over plans to expand mews houses in Marylebone, The Telegraph revealed.

Submitted plans to the central London council include excavation for a new basement floor, a new internal layout and a mansard roof-level extension – which would make room for an additional floor. There are also plans for window and door alterations.

A passionate Mr Tarrant, who in 2016 lost a bid to extend his £2million mansion in the Middletons’ home village, warned construction would be ‘oppressive’ to the needs of residents.

In a public statement on the council’s website, which he signed off as a spokesman for his neighbours, Mr Tarrant said: ‘The courtyard is the only access to open space we have nearby and my wife and I do take to enjoying the sunshine that we get there and want to enjoy a degree of privacy i.e. wear [a] bathing suit etc. We will be conscious of the lack of privacy if this development goes ahead.’

Chris Tarrant (pictured) is leading a campaign on behalf of his neighbours to block a ‘mini-Dubai’ development which he fears would stop him from basking in the sunshine in his bathing suit

Mr Tarrant is going to war with Westminster Council over plans to expand mews houses in Marylebone (Pictured: Westminster City Hall)

Mr Tarrant added: ‘Mews houses still interest people and are an integral part of the London landscape. They should not be changed and residents of mews houses working in partnership with the local authority have to ensure that they survive.

‘What next for this area of London and mews houses? Skyscrapers? Are we to end up like a mini Canary Wharf or Dubai? No, completely out of character with this tiny part of London.’

The 76-year-old, who was also formerly a Capital Radio host, claimed the historic cobbled pavements surrounding the mews houses would be damaged during the construction process. He sparked concerns over how easily they could be secured or replaced.

He also said that the development will effect the sunlight coming into the courtyard – where he and at least 20 other occupants live.

Mr Tarrant accused the council of setting a ‘dangerous precedent’ if they do go approve the plans that first came to light on October 7.

The application is now five months overdue after a target date of December 19 was set. ‘To be honest I am surprised this application is going to be entertained,’ he added.

‘If you allow this application to go a head you will be setting a dangerous precedent for the area. It will be open season on development of Mews houses in Westminster and you do so at your peril.’

Others also publicly objected to the plans, with one protesting: ‘The rear terrace on the first floor will cause loss of light to my property at the back, [a] loss of privacy, and I presume more occupants.’

Former Who Wants To Be a Millionaire? host Mr Tarrant accused the council of setting a ‘dangerous precedent’ if they do go approve the plans that first came to light on October 7

Mr Tarrant, who hosted almost 600 episodes of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? has often been vocal on new developments.

In fact, earlier this year, he condemned the ‘appalling’ proposals to build a renewable power plant the same side as 13 football pitches in Test Valley – a district in Hampshire where he likes to go trout fishing.

Meanwhile in 2019, Mr Tarrant vented at ‘hideous’ proposals to build an industrial incinerator in the same borough.

Westminster Council said a decision over the Marylebone plans would be made at a future committee meeting.

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