Darth Vader bubble bath tycoon given green light to build 'London's biggest basement'

Go ahead: Robert Beecham's plans have been approved
Hannah Al-Othman21 March 2016

A tycoon who made his fortune from Darth Vader bubble bath has been given the go ahead to build the biggest new single storey basement in London.

Robert Beecham, who secured the first Star Wars product licence in Europe in 1977, plans to rip down his existing six bedroom property off Elsworthy Road in Primrose Hill and build a new one triple the size.

The new £70 million 25,000 sq ft mansion will include a 200ft long “Death Star” fitness and entertainment complex.

Mr Beecham, who sold his business to US toys group Hasbro in 2002 to become a property developer, also plans to build a Roman bath-style “tepidarium” and “salt grotto” relaxing room, jacuzzi, gym, juice bar, cinema room, games room, bar, cigar humidor, wine store and banqueting hall.

Several nearby residents had objected to the plans, including one elderly resident who wrote to the council to say: “I am 88 years old, I rarely leave my home. My favourite place to sit is by the window of my front room watching out over the calm and quiet street I have lived in for over 30 years.

“But if my neighbours are allowed to demolish their home and add 16,102 sq ft to their property this will require an extensive period of construction.

“During this time I will be subjected to noise, dust, vibrations, loss of air quality, traffic issues. The peace and quiet of my window seat will be entirely lost and there will be a detrimental effect to the quality of my life.”

However, the proposals were unanimously waved through by Camden councillors at a Town Hall planning meeting on Thursday night, reports the Camden New Journal.

The planning application included a £600,000 contribution towards affordable housing, in line with Camden Council's development policy.

At the meeting Councillor Phil Rosenberg suggested a “temporary tree screen” could be erected along the boundary of neighbouring houses to form a shield during the construction work.

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