Fenced off: how London’s super-rich are destroying the soul of their community
by David Batty from on (#WS8Z)
Highgate is now a middle-class frontline against a billionaires' investment invasion
The leafy suburb of Highgate in north London has long enjoyed a liberal, even radical, reputation. Its high concentration of left-leaning creative professionals was drawn to the area not just by large green spaces and fine views, but also by the legacy of wealthy social reformers who led campaigns from the salons of their grand mansions.
But those same properties are at the centre of a growing battle between middle-class pillars of the community and a new generation of super-rich residents. The Highgate Society says it is launching at least one appeal per month against planning applications for mega-mansions, huge extensions and iceberg basements.
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