Billionaires’ Row apartments plan blocked over derelict north London mansion

Developer’s vision: the 18-apartment mansion

Plans to build a Beverly Hills-style mansion on north London’s “Billionaires’ Row” could be scuppered by a heritage row over the crumbling property that currently sits on the plot.

Council officials have warned that permission to bulldoze Oak Lodge on The Bishops Avenue could be refused, despite it being empty for nearly 30 years.

Conservation officers at Barnet council believe the 1927-built house, on a two-acre site, could have been the work of esteemed Arts and Crafts architect John Soutar.

1927-built Oak Lodge has stood empty for nearly 30 years

David Davidson, architectural adviser to the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, who was consulted by the council, said he was “absolutely convinced” that Oak Lodge is the work of the Scottish-born architect.

He said: ”There are 338 homes in the suburb and I know them all. I recognise the stylistic detail when I see it and I saw it at Oak Lodge. I would be very surprised if it turned out to be by someone else.”

Plans for the site could include building a mansion with 18 two-to-five-bedroom apartments. Planning consultancy Turley Heritage has been hired to assess the architecture of Oak Lodge, which is locally listed as a “building of local architectural or historical interest”. However, English Heritage said it would not object to demolition when a previous planning application was lodged in the 1990s.

The proposed block would have a gym, swimming pool and spa and underground car parking, and retain an existing tennis court on the site.

A spokesman for Barnet council said: “All planning applications are considered impartially and on their individual merits.” A final decision is yet to be made by the planning committee.

  • UPDATE 9/10/2018: An earlier version of this article stated that Jon O'Brien, founder and chief executive of Domvs, bought the property from the Saudi royal family. However, title to the property was transferred to 54 Bishops Avenue Limited. Representatives of 54 Bishops Avenue Limited have told the Evening Standard that Domvs will have no role in its development going forward. We are happy to update matters.

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