The lovely pink house with views over Primrose Hill ‘has become something of a London landmark’ says the Daily Telegraph.
Now, Bozza’s former home is at the centre of a planning row with the current residents set to construct a subterranean cinema and gym under the garden of the Mayor’s childhood home.
The Telegraph reports that, ‘the plans submitted to Camden council by Jeremy and Erin Morris, who paid £5.25 million for the house this year, show a new basement that will include a cinema, gym, bedroom and bathroom.’
Neither Bozza nor his dad are pleased with the application. Stanley Johnson – father of the Mayor – said: “It was a lovely garden and it would be a great shame to do anything that may spoil it.”
Boris was, as ever, more colourful in his reminiscences about the time spent in his childhood home: “I loved playing in the garden. There was a lot of mud-pie making done in the flower beds. I have very happy memories. I also recall making Airfix aeroplane models and flying them around the garden.�
And, it’s not just the Johnson’s who oppose the plans. Pam White, a member of the Primrose Hill conservation area advisory committee, says: “We have always resisted basement developments. These houses are generous, large and comfortable. There is just no need to make them any bigger. Why do people not buy the house they want; not the house they want to turn it into?â€?