Actor Richard Wilson is the latest celebrity to back a campaign to save the Golden Lion pub in Camden from redevelopment into flats.
The pub featured in the last episode of One Foot in the Grave, the hit BBC comedy which starred Wilson as moaning pensioner Victor Meldrew.
He has told licensee David Murphy he hopes it can be saved, and it has “a special place” in his heart. Actor Sean Bean has also given his support, signing a 2,000-strong petition.
Mr Murphy said he contacted Wilson because of his connection to the pub and was delighted to get his email. “If Camden planners have any sense and see what we mean to the community and listen to all the objections and concerns, we will be here for a long time to come.”
Mr Murphy’s family took over the lease of the 130-year-old pub in 1978 but in 2011, Norreys Barn Ltd bought the freehold. Agents DRK Planning Ltd, acting on behalf of the firm, have now submitted plans to change it into eight flats with a three-storey extension on the side.
While councillors have expressed concerns over the continued loss to the local night-time economy, the developers claim the pub has no significant community role.
A consultation on the planning application ends on February 12 after which town hall planners will decide its fate. DRK declined to comment.
