‘Architectural triumph’ faces demolition

 A leading architect has been ordered by a council to demolish his award-winning £4.65million home after breaching planning consent

Amin Taha transformed a Fifties east London building into an office and apartment block after being granted permission in 2013.

He bought the property seven years ago and knocked it down so he could build his own six-storey limestone structure. He lives on the top floor in a penthouse with his wife and toddler son. But now he faces bankruptcy after being told by Islington Council to demolish the property in Clerkenwell, which it claims is no longer in keeping with the original plans.

That is despite it being hailed an “architectural triumph” and “brave, ambitious, highly innovative” by the Royal Institute of British Architects and winning two awards. However, locals and councillors complained that it was “ugly”. Mr Taha said officials were concerned he had used a stone facade instead of brick. He said: “We are taking it to appeal but it’s costly.”