Remember the famed neighbourhood of Notting Hill? Imagine a Bollywood diva and her billionaire husband took up house there and decided to convert five flats into servants’ quarters. A personal decision right? Well, it seems the Brits seem to disagree.Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Ahuja, bought a run-down mansion for £21million in 2023 and the move barely raised any commotion. Soon the couple submitted plans to completely gut the 200-year-old property. They proposed to tear out everything internally, keeping just the four outer walls, and build a basement swimming pool as well as a subterranean basketball court.Except for some building noise, the residents living in Hilcrest, a block of flats adjoining the property had no concerns. However, now the residents have accused their wealthy neighbours of purchasing five flats in their block for a total of around £4million, which they claim will be used as ‘servant’s quarters’.In a conversation with DailyMail, the residents claim the five flats bought by a company linked to the couple could lead to undue influence over the management board of their block to approve their renovation designs. Moreover, the firm also bought the block’s garage, which is currently used as storage, but could host some of the pair’s car collection.However, the outlet added that when the locals spoke about their concerns, they were warned in a private meeting with a company spokesman that if they kicked up a fuss, the flats would be made available for ‘social housing’.“‘We’re being made to feel afraid of speaking out just because they’re powerful. We’ve formed a sense of community here and that’s changing because some billionaires want to make our home another playground,” said a homeowner. Another resident said legal letters had previously been sent by homeowners from some of the 23 flats at Hillcrest over next door’s plans.Kapoor, 40 and Ahuja, 42, are said to have already spent £4.7million on works at the mansion.
Social media reactions
After the news of the couple’s shenanigans went viral, they have been facing deportation calls online. There have been mixed reactions with some extending support over autonomy and others trolling them.“The Real East India Company is here to collect debts,” quipped a user.“Why are foreigners allowed to buy properties without incurring additional taxes to natives who own properties? They should pay more in taxes to own properties and there should be a cap on how many properties they can buy! They are creating a housing crisis!!” added one.“Foreigners should not be allowed to buy our homes ffs Deport,” called another.“It’s their home, they don’t owe anyone an explanation who lives there,” a user said.
