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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Amy Denman

George Michael's mansion owner wins permission to renovate property after protests

The owner of George Michael's Grade II-listed home has won permission from Camden Council to make a series of changes to the home.

The late Wham! singer's 'super fans' Stephen Cameron and Claire Harrison purchased the home in 2020 after buying the lavish property for more than twice the singer had paid for it.

George's plush pad, which was previously rented out before it was sold to the couple, is set to undergo a series of changes.

Stephen and Claire have won permission from Camden Council for a "super basement" under the front garden, which reportedly will include living accommodation and a second kitchen.

George Michael's home is set to undergo some big changes (AFP via Getty Images)

Meanwhile, the couple have been given the OK to extend the outbuilding at the property, as well as relocate the pool and add a pergola.

Stephen, who made his fortune in healthcare communications, and his wife have also applied for 'minor alterations' to the home including moving the kitchen, a new bedroom, a new chimney stack and staircase.

The couple also applied to have the rooms reconfigured and the door openings and windows adjusted – with permission having reportedly been granted in July last year. They also won permission to change the front railings.

The couple who bought George's home for £19m have been given the green light for a number of changes at the Grade II-listed mansion (Google Maps)

However, the proposed changes were objected by The Highgate Society and the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee.

The Highgate Society said it "strongly objects" the application and said the changes were "unnecessarily, and in a derogatory manner, alter the frontages of one of the finest rows of houses in the Highgate Conservation Area".

A letter of objection from the group added: "Given that the owners of some properties in The Grove believe that problems have arisen as a result of the basement works at Witanhurst, we would urge the Council to instruct an independent audit of the proposals."

Neighbours had 'strongly objected' to the proposed changes, which have now been granted (Google Maps)

While the Highgate Conservation Area Advisory Committee said they were "very concerned" by the proposed changes to the front of the mansion as it "affects the harmony and the setting of the important listed buildings" surrounding the mansion and "does not enhance the character and appearance of the Highgate Conservation Area".

Stephen and Claire bought the lavish former home of the late singer for £19 million in December 2020.

George paid £8 million for the pad. And, after his death, fans created a shrine outside the house, as thousands paid their respects to the celebrated singer.

Fans created a shrine outside George's mansion after his death (Getty Images)

The shrine was removed in 2018 but fans still believe that the house should be kept as a "beautiful museum" to the Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go! singer.

Another fan declared: "That house was, is and will be forever George’s house."

Stephen previously told the Mail Online after buying the much-wanted home: "I know the area really well and have been living in this part of North London for several years. It’s a beautiful house to live in and the whole family is happy."

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