Daimler-Benz heir wins planning row over 'tasteless' basement plans Almost 60 residents formally objected to the local authority over the subterranean development, with locals labelling it "tasteless," "environmentally hazardous" and "selfish." Locals claimed said the mammoth construction work would create severe and lengthy noise and disruption to the area, home to some of the country's wealthiest. Other nearby residents include the Queen Noor of Jordan, JCB tycoon Sir Anthony Bamford and jeweller John Asprey. The local campaign failed on Tuesday night after the council's planning committee approved the project, the latest in a string of proposals from tycoons for massive underground property extensions. Planning officers had argued the development would add "visually discreet additions" to the house and would "preserve the character and appearance" of the conservation area and recommended giving it the green light. The house was originally two properties: one said to have been owned by Sir Maxwell Joseph, the property magnate and the other, Pelham Cottage, reported to belong to Lady Annabel Goldsmith. Mr Flick, known as "Muck" whose grandfather was Friedrich Flick, the wealthy German industrialist, is reported to have bought both buildings in 1986 and turned it into a showcase for his magnificent collection of early silver and Italian Old Masters. Last night Mr Lloyd Webber, the 61 year-old brother of Lord Lloyd Webber, the musical impresario, accused the council of not "taking into account what is going to happen" to the area. "I think it is a very bad decision by the council, which they will come to regret," the president of the Onslow neighbourhood association told The Daily Telegraph. The fact is when you put it all together, we just know the disruption is going to be massive. It is poor planning decision. The council should protect its residents but if it can grant permission for this, one of the oldest houses in the borough, it seems nothing is sacred. Mr Lloyd Webber, who has lived in South Kensington all his life, added: "When people realise what they are going to face, there will be a lot more protests." A council spokesman last night defended the approval, insisting that officials "undertook extensive consultation on the application." Approval was delayed while council officials conducted further investigations to address local concerns. He said: "Appropriate conditions have been attached to mitigate the impact of the proposed development upon the local area." He said while the building was not listed, an archway to the site was, but "conditions" attached to the planning approval satisfied "our concerns relating to its protection." The tycoon, who together with his brother Mick was listed among the Sunday Times Rich List, was unavailable for comment last night.