Super-rich see hopes for new mansion cut down to size

SUPER-SIZED “mega homes” are to be banned in central London after Westminster city council drew up plans to limit the size of new-builds.

The borough, which includes some of London’s most expensive areas such as Mayfair, Knightsbridge and Belgravia, will be the UK’S first to introduce such rules as part of proposals to ensure “real people” can buy properties.

The restrictions will limit new builds to 1,615sq ft, which will be seen as a crackdown on oligarchs and members of a well-heeled global elite looking to invest in large London properties.

The council already has restrictions on so-called “iceberg homes”, where wealthy homeowners dig vast basements beneath their properties to add swimming pools and multi-car garages.

The council argues that 1,615sq ft is “generous”, as it is 50per cent larger than the area’s average family home.

The rules, outlined in the borough’s 2019-40 development plan, include a commitment to build more than 10,000 affordable homes by 2040.

“We want Westminster to be home to thriving, mixed communities, not empty super-prime properties,” Richard Beddoe, who oversees planning at the council, said.

The ban does not apply to homes that have been converted into flats being restored as single homes.

Westminster council argued that the area was unaffordable for the majority of its residents. It said: “The average household income in Westminster is £52,199, yet the median house price was £1,054,400 in 2017.”