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Posh neighbours at war

(7 Posts)
HannahLoisLuke Tue 03-May-16 10:14:41

Did anybody watch this last night. It was about the lady who had her house in Chelsea painted red and white stripes. I was curious about her so decided to give it a go. Turns out she's very wealthy and had originally applied for planning permission to refurbish the whole house whilst also adding a double cellar. Something her neighbours have already done. The neighbours objected to all seven of her applications so she put up two fingers and had the house painted like a seaside marquee!
I found her a fascinating character, she could hardly keep a straight face when talking about it, and she won't give up. I hear that she now plans to demolish the whole thing (not listed ) and build something new instead. After seeing the kind of person she is I bet she'll go for something as outlandish as she can get away with.
I reckon those neighbours wish they'd been a bit more reasonable in the first place. After all, she only wanted to do what they've done already.
I thought she was a real tough cookie and highly amusing though I'm sure others will see it differently..

trisher Tue 03-May-16 10:28:16

Oh I loved her.She is obviously very wealthy and willing to spend her money on getting what she wants, but I think she is also a typical English eccentric. I thought the house was interesting when it was red and white. It amazed me how much the council was willing to spend on a Planning enquiry for one property. I certainly wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of her, I don't think she will give up easily.

Londongirl Tue 03-May-16 11:33:04

Oh yes. I thought she was great, mischievous. Sadly was unable the whole programme but found myself cheering for her straight awaysmile

mumofmadboys Tue 03-May-16 13:39:07

But would you mind living in the next house in a row of terraces if it was painted in red and white stripes??!

Happy57 Tue 03-May-16 15:37:58

I enjoyed the programme.

It said at one time that she was born in Chelsea and we were encouraged to be sympathetic towards her as someone who only wants what her neighbour has, ie a multi-level basement.

I got the impression, though, that this isn't her only house and that she buys houses, does them up and sells them on. She has been living somewhere else and bought office space in Chelsea wanting to turn it into living accommodation. She's now using it as storage as a half-way step between office and residential space.

Overall I was most sympathetic towards the council (or council tax payers) who have to process all these planning applications where the fee is much less than the cost.

merlotgran Tue 03-May-16 18:24:47

I thought she was great.

Don't get mad, get even!!

HannahLoisLuke Tue 03-May-16 20:48:21

I've just watched this again to clarify some things in my mind. Zaporrah (?) did finally get permission to convert the old office building to residential but her neighbour promptly objected again, saying he hadn't been properly consulted so her permission was cancelled. It was then that she had the building painted in stripes.
According to the programme she intended to live in the house and was installing a lift fior when the stairs became too much in later life.
I believe, after this second viewing that the root of her next door neighbour's objection was the fact that he'd wanted to buy the property himself and she outbid him!
His remarks about her wanting to install a swimming pool, as he already had ,summed him up " just because the Queen has a tiara, doesn't mean that everybody should have one"

I'm still cheering her on.