Television star James Corden is locked in a planning battle with his local authority after paving over part of the front garden of his multi-million-pound London mansion to create a dedicated wheelie bin parking spot.
Retrospective Application Refused
The Gavin and Stacey creator, who purchased the £11.5 million property in the upmarket Belsize Park area of Hampstead in 2024, undertook the work without seeking the required permission. The four-storey house, home to Corden, his wife Julia Carey, and their children, sits within a protected conservation area where such alterations are strictly controlled.
Last year, shrubs were removed and approximately 18 square metres of the front drive, previously gravel, was repaved with concrete slabs. This action eradicated around seven square metres of flowerbed. The stated aim was to 'increase the area... for storage of bins'.
After the fact, Corden's representatives submitted a retrospective planning application to Camden Council. In November, council officers refused it, stating the changes had 'no public benefits' and conflicted with policies that effectively ban paving over front gardens. He was ordered to rip up the slabs by the start of January or face formal enforcement action.
Corden Lodges Formal Appeal
Defying the order, the former Late Late Show host has now lodged a formal appeal in a bid to keep the bin storage area intact. The enforcement action has been paused pending the outcome of this appeal, with no set timeline for a decision.
Documents filed on Corden's behalf argued the work was to 'repair existing paving slabs' and create more bin space. To offset the loss of the flowerbed, agents proposed planting four new trees. However, this did not satisfy objectors, including several neighbours and the Belsize Society, a local conservation group.
The society objected, stating: 'The removal of natural habitat reduces biodiversity... and the use of mass-produced industrial materials is inappropriate.' Local Liberal Democrat councillor Tom Simon strongly opposed the loss of green space, while another resident warned approval would 'set a terrible precedent'.
A History of Neighbourly Spats
This is not the first clash Corden has faced since moving into the neighbourhood. Last year, his plans for a garden outbuilding containing a gym, spa, and den attracted 18 objections from locals concerned about noise and the impact on trees. The council ultimately issued a certificate of lawful development, allowing the work.
He has also been granted permission for a new balcony, spiral staircase, and privacy screen, and to cut back trees. However, a separate dispute emerged with neighbours at the rear of his property over a 32ft-tall leylandii hedge, which they claim the Cordens have declined to address directly.
A spokesperson for Camden Council confirmed the appeal had been received. Representatives for James Corden have been contacted for comment.
