Camden News: Mathew Wright | Kingstown Street

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Camden News - by DAN CARRIER
Published: 19 March 2009

Matthew Wright near his home in Kingstown Street

Basement digs? It just ain’t Wright!

TV star leads residents in bid to stop disruption caused by home extensions

WITH its pretty row of modern cottages set away from the main roads, it should be the epitome of tranquility.
Instead, over the past six years, this short stretch of Kingstown Street in Primrose Hill has resembled a builders’ yard with a procession of trucks heading there to satisfy demand for new basements.
Major works have been carried out at six different homes in that period and a request for further work will be decided tonight (Thursday).
The constant noise and disruption has prompted homeowners in the street, led by Channel Five’s talk show presenter Matthew Wright, to issue the plea: Stop the digging!
Mr Wright, who fronts the daily magazine show The Wright Stuff, bought his home in the street five years ago and has seen truck after truck rumble back and forth to different properties.
He claims constant home improvement projects have caused non-stop cacophony and his home to shake.
He is now considering selling up to escape. “Large chunks of plaster have fallen from my walls and ceilings in my living room, hallway and downstairs,” he said. “I have had to have engineers round.”
The issue of constant digging has been drawn into sharp focus by a fresh application to excavate a new double-floor basement.
One of Mr Wright’s neighbours is seeking permission to demolish their property and dig out the rooms to create a new gym and home cinema. The overhaul is expected to take two years.
Mr Wright told the New Journal: “I have not given up hope that the councillors will do the right thing and give our 100-yard long street some respite. I have spent thousands on my mortgage and yet I can’t live in peace in my own home.”
The latest project has the support of planning officers at the Town Hall but the final say rests with councillors who meet tonight.
Patrick Zeigherman, who is behind the plans, said: “Some of them have had work building extensions and basements done themselves so I think it is a bit hypocritical for them to object.
“I appreciate it is disturbing for some but I am operating within the legal framework. I have a growing family and that is the option I have chosen.”
He accepted that the street had seen a number of building works. “Since I have lived here I have experienced it myself. It was disturbing but I accepted it,” he said.

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