TV’s Phil Spencer caught up in basement battle

12:43pm Monday 12th May 2008

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A war of words between a property developer and residents is threatening to shatter the peace of one of Wandsworth's most exclusive addresses - and overshadow the redevelopment of TV property presenter Phil Spencer's home.

The neighbourly dispute broke out after developer Justin Harris criticised The Toastrack Road Association (TTRA), in a national newspaper, about its opposition to basement conversions.

Mr Harris, who is not only a member of the association but also sits on its committee, is himself hoping to renovate three adjacent properties at the sought-after location - where houses sell for in excess of £2m.

However, residents concerned that "underground-under garden" conversions could cause their properties to flood, have voiced their concerns.

One of the houses concerned is owned by TV presenter Phil Spencer - who co-presents Location Location Location on Channel Four.

Mr Harris criticised objectors in an article in the Daily Telegraph, which angered some residents.

This week the 38-year-old said: "The same people that are making these complaints don't know the facts and are not looking at what's being proposed, they are objecting for objecting's sake."

However, one resident who did not want to be named said: "When Mr Harris had work done to his house a number of members said how they weren't in keeping with the area, so his comments were a little surprising."

But Mr Harris said: "I don't think that's right. My house was falling apart but we reinstated the stonework. The only difference is the rear mansard (loft extension) which is within planning guidance, has full planning approval and can't be seen from the street."

George Meakin, chairman of TTRA said he didn't normally get involved in individual planning claims but commented: "There are certainly strong feelings from some, which is natural.

"People don't like the fact there's a threat to their property, and disruption that could last for years."

A Wandsworth Council spokesman said Mr Spencer had permission for converting his basement and an extension at ground floor level, but the other properties were at various stages of permission.

He added: "As long as the basements are properly constructed there shouldn't be a flood risk to anyone."

TTRA is active in the Tooting community and has recently campaigned to keep post offices open and highlighted issues with the controversial plans to develop the old Springfield Hospital site.

The dispute is likely to rumble on and the source said the next meeting would be lively. "It should be interesting when Mr Harris comes to explain his words," he said.

In an unrelated incident last week, a house dramatically collapsed less than a mile away in Tooting because of illegal excavation work being carried out in the basement.