Actor Colin Firth refused planning permission for solar thermal system

After Hounslow Council initially rejected the couple’s proposal to install the solar powered technology at their home, the Oscar-winning actor and his wife went through the procedure of appealing against the decision.

Firth and his wife Livia – both environmental activists in their own right – were hoping for a favourable outcome upon appeal. But thanks to red tape their endeavours to become more environmentally friendly have been blocked. The council has decided to uphold the original decision and not all the solar thermal panels, which they say was rejected primarily for aesthetic reasons more than anything.

Commenting on the council’s decision, building inspector Roger Shrimplin said: “The proposed solar panel would erode the architectural qualities of the listed host building itself and would cause actual harm to the character and appearance of the Bedford Park conservation area.”

“I am convinced that the harm done to the historic setting and the street scene clearly outweighs the benefits of the project.”