A planning dispute has unfolded in London’s affluent Primrose Hill after the owners of a Grade II-listed townhouse applied for retrospective permission for a roof terrace that was built without prior approval.
The terrace, completed in November 2024, features composite decking along with outdoor seating, a table, an umbrella, and a worktop fitted with a sink. The homeowners, who purchased the property in 2023, are now seeking Camden Council’s approval to retain the installation.
Residents Raise Privacy Concerns
Several neighbours have objected to the application, arguing that the elevated terrace allows occupants and visitors to look directly into nearby homes, including bedrooms and bathrooms.
Residents on Rothwell Street and neighbouring Regent’s Park Road contend that approving the proposal would effectively formalize the use of the entire rooftop as an outdoor terrace, fundamentally altering the character of the property and affecting surrounding homes.
Family Says Home Privacy Has Been Compromised
Among those objecting is Frank Lord, who purchased a five-bedroom property on Regent’s Park Road last year after relocating from Maida Vale with his family.
Lord said the terrace has significantly reduced his family’s privacy, claiming his adult daughter was left distressed after noticing people on the roof terrace while she was using the bathroom. According to him, the incident prompted the family to rearrange bedrooms within the house, convert rear-facing rooms into storage, and keep blinds partially closed to reduce visibility from the neighbouring property.
Calls for Screening Instead of Removal
While opposing the current arrangement, Lord said he is not seeking the complete removal of the terrace. Instead, he believes the installation of sufficiently high opaque screening or glass barriers would help protect neighbouring properties from overlooking while allowing the owners to continue using the space.
He said such measures would strike a balance between preserving neighbours’ privacy and allowing the homeowners to enjoy their property.
Long-Term Residents Also Voice Objections
Victoria Hooberman, who has lived opposite the property with her husband for three decades, has also submitted an objection to Camden Council.
She said the terrace has left residents feeling less comfortable in their own homes because of concerns about overlooking and noise generated during gatherings. Hooberman also expressed surprise that the structure was constructed before planning permission had been obtained.
Community Divided Over Proposal
The planning application has generated mixed reactions among local residents.
Some objections warn that approving rooftop terraces of this kind could encourage similar developments throughout the neighbourhood, potentially changing the area’s architectural character.
However, not all responses have been negative. Supporters of the application have argued that the decking was completed to a high standard and has enhanced the property’s appearance, suggesting it represents a positive investment in the neighbourhood.
Camden Council Yet to Make Decision
Planning documents describe the proposal as the installation of a freestanding composite decking system placed on the existing roof surface.
A housekeeper at the property said the owners were away and unavailable for comment. Camden Council is expected to consider the retrospective planning application before issuing a formal decision at a later date.
