Designer goes to court to block neighbour’s ‘suburban’ extension next to his country pile

‘Many features will detract from the character of the building and the overall aesthetic of the estate’

AN INTERIOR designer has made a legal challenge to block his neighbour’s proposed extension which he says is “too suburban” to be built next to his country home.

Glenn Kinnersley, 60, and his wife Donna, claim photographer Paul Dixon’s barn conversion will spoil the image of their £3million Georgian pile. The couple transformed grade-ii listed Hollingbourne House after buying it for £1.6million in 2005, but Paul and Angela Dixon want to build two dwellings by revamping outbuildings which used to be within the estate.

Mr and Mrs Kinnersley expressed “disappointment with the suburban design, the extensive glazing and the non-traditional flat roof” when lodging their objection to the plans. But Maidstone borough council granted permission in January 2021.

The Kinnersleys have told the High Court the local authority ignored the project’s impact on the prized “heritage asset” of their ancient home.

The Dixons live in Mulberry Cottage, which adjoins Hollingbourne House in

Kent which they rescued from dereliction 24 years ago.

They plan to demolish part of their barn to erect a “replacement structure” and create two homes plus parking and garden space.

The Kinnersleys complained that many features of the proposed build were “out of keeping with the character of the site and will detract from the agricultural character of the building and from the overall aesthetic of the estate”.

But the Dixons insist they have done their utmost to design a project in tune with both the environment and the historical profile of Hollingbourne House.

Giles Atkinson, for the council, rejected arguments that approval ignored the impact on a “historically significant” location.

Judge Karen Walden Smith will give her ruling at a later.