George Michael’s sister wins planning war over derelict £10m London mansion despite local backlash
George Michael’s sister has won a planning battle to remove trees at the late singer’s £10m Hampstead mansion despite objections from conservation groups.
Yioda Panayiotou received permission from Camden Council to fell several historic trees at the property, which had fallen into disrepair, The Sun reports.
The council approved her request despite fierce resistance from a neighbour and the Redington Frognal Neighbourhood Forum.
Officials ruled the trees were “not visible”, “not of cultural or historical importance” and not an “unusual species”.
Yioda’s plans include removing an eight-metre high “leaning” Holly tree and an 11-metre evergreen Thuja tree that is “growing within close proximity of the building”.
A 13-metre Mature Leyland Cypress, described as “fast growing” and in “fairly close proximity to the building”, will also be felled.
Additionally, she plans to trim down an 18-metre sycamore hanging over the garages and remove dead wood.
The council described this work as “controlling encroachment” or “general maintenance”.
The Redington Frognal Neighbourhood Forum initially described the loss of mature trees as “regrettable” but acknowledged the need for maintenance.
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They later strengthened their position to an objection after discovering three mature forest trees had previously been removed from the property.
The group expressed particular concern about water management, noting the estate is “in an area with much underground water”.
They requested that “all felled trees and shrubs are replaced with native species providing high value to wildlife”.
The forum also suggested replanting two poplars to help address surface water runoff.
Yioda took ownership of the Hampstead property after her brother died aged 53 on Christmas Day in 2016.
George Michael left the bulk of his £98 million fortune to his two sisters.
Yioda’s sister Melanie passed away just three years later.
The £10m mansion had fallen into a dilapidated state in recent years, with photos showing it in a rundown condition.
Yioda is currently undertaking extensive renovation work to restore the property.
George Michael amassed significant wealth during his career, earning more than £48million from touring between April 2006 and March 2008 alone.
The singer invested heavily in art, purchasing works by Banksy, Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin.
His property portfolio was extensive, including the £5million house in Oxfordshire where he died.
He also owned a £2.5million home in Los Angeles and a £3.5million beach house in Sydney.
The Hampstead mansion was among his most valuable properties.
In May, Yioda received approval from Camden Council for broader renovations to the property.
The approved plans include installing a new roof and solar panels on the mansion.
New doors and windows will also be fitted as part of the extensive refurbishment.
The plans also feature new decking to enhance the outdoor space.
One of the garages at the property is being converted into living quarters, further expanding the usable space in the £10m home.