James Corden has sparked controversy amongst residents after laying paving stones across a portion of his front garden to create space for bins.
The 47-year-old TV entertainer installed the hard surfacing at his north London residence in a designated conservation area before seeking planning approval retrospectively in September.
Local residents have raised objections to the work, citing concerns about reduced natural habitats and the negative impact on local wildlife.
The building work has drawn criticism for diminishing green space in the heritage-protected neighbourhood, with multiple formal complaints submitted over its environmental implications.
According to the retrospective planning submission, the work involved converting approximately 18 square metres of the front garden, which included an area previously covered with gravel, using concrete paving stones salvaged from the property’s rear garden.
The application detailed that the alterations resulted in an 11-square-metre decrease in existing planting areas whilst maintaining the current trees on site.
As part of the scheme, four additional trees were planted alongside various plants to enhance the garden’s soft landscaping.
The documentation specified that the primary purpose of expanding the paved area was to provide increased space for wheelie bin storage.
James Corden has sparked controversy amongst residents in North London
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Residents have strongly opposed the changes.
Deborah Buzan said: “Front gardens being paved over is bad for the environment. It is not good for wildlife and it reduces the enjoyment of residents who now look at barren areas instead of plants and London flowers. It’s so sad seeing the disregard for conservation.”
Alan Selwyn, representing a neighbourhood residents’ association as trustee, argued: “The removal of natural habitat reduces biodiversity in an already reduced area and the use of mass-produced industrial materials is inappropriate in this heritage setting.”
He expressed concerns that two mature acer trees could be endangered by the concrete installation and warned the newly planted trees “may all fail due to overcrowding”.
The comedian acquired the property for a reported £11.5million in 2024
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Tom Simon, the Liberal Democrat opposition leader on the council, said: “There is no valid justification for the loss of green space in this instance, so the application should be resisted.”
The comedian acquired the property for a reported £11.5million in 2024 and resides there with his wife, Julia Carey, and their three children following his eight-year tenure hosting The Late Late Show in America.
The paving dispute follows an earlier planning application this year for a new garden structure at the property, which had already generated complaints from neighbours regarding potential noise disturbance.
GB News has approached James Corden’s representatives for comment.
