Yioda Panayiotou wins planning approval for £10m Hampstead mansion renovation

Yioda Panayiotou, sister of the late George Michael, has secured approval from Camden Council to remove several trees at his £10 million Hampstead mansion despite significant opposition from local conservation groups and neighbors. The council deemed the trees in question as not historically significant or highly visible, which led to their decision to allow the removal as part of Yioda's restoration efforts for the property, which has fallen into disrepair. The Redington Frognal Neighbourhood Forum expressed concerns about the ecological impact of removing mature trees, noting their importance for wildlife and local water management. Neighbors also voiced fears regarding privacy and the number of trees removed in recent years, labeling the plans as alarming. Despite these objections, Yioda's plans include the removal of specific trees that have been deemed a threat to the building. The approval represents a contentious clash between property development and environmental conservation in the area.