Controversial plans to redevelop the Grey House in Berkhamsted have been given the go-ahead.
A meeting of Dacorum Borough Council’s development control committee approved a scheme to renovate the villa and build four homes in the large grounds.
The move follows the rejection of previous plans and the creation of a campaign group – The Grey House Association – to halt the development.
Catherine Marsden, a representative of the group, told the meeting: “It’s overdevelopment and doesn’t enhance the established character or appearance of this area.”
The meeting was told the number of new homes had dropped from six to four.
Councillor Rosemarie Hollinghurst said:”This house is getting older and older and more dilapidated and if it goes on much longer it will fall down before we make a decision.”
The Victorian house was previously home to gypsy campaigner Diana Allen until her death in 2007. It is now owned by Black Lab Developments.