She may be married to the “King of England” but Livia Firth’s attempt to go green has been turned down by planners.
The film producer wife of The King’s Speech actor Colin Firth had wanted to install a large solar panel on the couple’s family home in Chiswick, according to Building Magazine.
She had appointed an eco consultant to draw up plans for their Grade II listed home in a conservation area.
But a planning inspector has ratified Hounslow council’s decision to turn down the proposal, saying the harm done to the area’s historic setting outweighed the environmental benefits.
The inspector, Roger Shrimplin, said the panel would be “unduly large”, adding: “It would erode the architectural qualities of the listed host building itself and would cause actual harm to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
Mr Shrimplin also criticised several “errors” on the application, including the precise location of the panel on the house.
Ian Tant, senior partner at planning consultant Barton Willmore, said: “In this case, the inspector clearly felt that the design and positioning were both inappropriate.”
The decision is a blow for mother-of-two Livia, who has established a reputation as a green campaigner.
As well as launching an eco clothing and lifestyle shop in Chiswick High Road, she has been working towards bringing sustainable style to A-list celebrities on the red carpet.
Stars wearing ethical fashion as part of her Green Carpet Challenge include actresses Meryl Streep and Cameron Diaz.
The Firths were not available for comment today.
