Kirstie Allsopp’s husband is locked in a planning row with locals after erecting railings outside his London pub, The Telegraph can reveal.
Ben Andersen’s company, Wentworth Anderson, is redeveloping the former Ariadne’s Nectar Bar in north Kensington.
Under the latest renovation plans submitted by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council, the railings would fence off a front terrace.
The plans also include the proposed installation of a grilled light-well, a vertical shaft allowing natural light into interior spaces, which has previously sparked fears of upskirting.
But residents compared the renovation plans to “Poundland Prison Chic” and said they were not in keeping with the local architecture.
The ‘cheap black-painted metal railings’ installed outside the pub have been criticised by locals
One resident said: “Conservation area? Not any more. This is Gritty-Gate meets Poundland Prison Chic.
“One would think, given the area’s historic character, we might aspire to a touch of restraint – or failing that, at least basic competence.
“Instead, we have cheap black-painted metal railings bolted straight into the pavement with all the delicacy of a motorway crash barrier.
“The effect is somewhere between prison chic and abandoned industrial park.”
A second said: “The railings are all Victorian wrought iron, not steel. This is a cheap substitute, and quite apart from any railings not being appropriate to this site, they are not in keeping with a conservation area as documented.”
A third added: “The public highway has now been absorbed and concreted crudely over with a cheap railing that is not wrought iron and not spiral as per other properties?”
The pub on Latimer Road is being redeveloped by the company run by the husband of Allsopp, the star of Location, Location, Location.
The company bought the pub in 2023, with renovation work currently ongoing.
One resident said: ‘The effect is somewhere between prison chic and abandoned industrial park’
Last year, neighbours were left infuriated after a huge sign reading “Allsopp’s” appeared on the side of the building, with some claiming the owners were imposing the TV presenter’s name on the area.
But it later transpired Allsopp’s great-great-grandfather owned a beer brand of the same name, which is now being revived by her cousin Jamie and is expected to be sold at the pub.
On the latest application, representatives for Wentworth Andersen said the plans would respect the local heritage of the area, adding: “Both interventions – the installation of conservation railings and the reinstatement of the heritage-grade metal pavement grill – are entirely appropriate within the Latimer Road Conservation Area.
“The proposal ensures heritage preservation, improves site functionality, and supports broader conservation objectives.
“Approval is sought in recognition of its alignment with heritage protection principles and the need for responsible site management.”
Residents have previously raised concerns about Andersen’s plans for a grilled light-well.
The proposed installation over the cellar of the pub has been met with a dozen objections, including claims it could be used to upskirt those walking along the pavement above.
One resident likened the idea to “a voyeur’s deluxe box seat”, while others feared the change could lay the foundation for the basement to be converted into flats.
Allsopp, 53, and Andersen have been together for more than two decades and they have two teenage sons.
Wentworth Andersen was contacted for comment.
