JK Rowling could wave her wand and block ‘bunkers’

She has the power to sell millions and the wit to outsmart the entire publishing industry but will JK Rowling use her considerable influence to come to the rescue of her Kensington neighbours?

The developers who own a Grade II- listed Georgian house in Pembroke Square plan two large “concrete bunkers” below the property. In a design reminiscent of the Slytherins’ dungeon dormitory, BlackOnyx Developments even aims to turn one of the two subterranean rooms into a bedroom.

However, local residents’ associations have put up fierce resistance to the plans. Professor Anthony Walker, chairman of the Edwardes Square, Scarsdale and Abingdon Association, believes the developers are trying to get the proposal through before Kensington & Chelsea council brings in new policy standards to limit the size of basement extensions.

The project conforms to current standards, allowing basements to occupy a maximum of 85 per cent of a garden but new policies announced by the council and due to go before the planning inspector would limit this to 75 or even 50 per cent.

Residents of Pembroke Square, who include former Labour defence minister Lord Drayson, also claim the work could dangerously disturb the foundations of adjacent properties.

One neighbour claimed his house shook during the drilling of a borehole at the site. BlackOnyx Developments declined to comment.

Public consultation on the proposal ends tomorrow, so if Rowling wants to save her neighbours months of disruption, she hasn’t long to work her magic.