Almost 60 residents formally objected to the local authority over the
subterranean development, with locals labelling it “tasteless”, “environmentally
hazardous” and “selfish”.

Locals claimed said the mammoth construction work would create severe and
lengthy noise and disruption to the area, home to some of the country’s
wealthiest.

Other nearby residents include the Queen Noor of Jordan, JCB tycoon Sir
Anthony Bamford and jeweller John Asprey.

The local campaign failed on Tuesday night after the council’s planning
committee approved the project, the latest in a string of proposals from
tycoons for massive underground property extensions.

Planning officers had argued the development would add “visually discreet
additions” to the house and would “preserve the character and
appearance” of the conservation area and recommended giving it the
green light.

The house was originally two properties: one said to have been owned by Sir
Maxwell Joseph, the property magnate and the other, Pelham Cottage, reported
to belong to Lady Annabel Goldsmith.

Mr Flick, known as “Muck” whose grandfather was Friedrich Flick, the wealthy
German industrialist, is reported to have bought both buildings in 1986 and
turned it into a showcase for his magnificent collection of early silver and
Italian Old Masters.

Last night Mr Lloyd Webber, the 61 year-old brother of Lord Lloyd Webber, the
musical impresario, accused the council of not “taking into account what is
going to happen” to the area.

“I think it is a very bad decision by the council, which they will come to
regret,” the president of the Onslow neighbourhood association told The
Daily Telegraph.

“The fact is when you put it all together, we just know the disruption is
going to be massive. It is poor planning decision.

“The council should protect its residents but if it can grant permission for
this, one of the oldest houses in the borough, it seems nothing is sacred.

Mr Lloyd Webber, who has lived in South Kensington all his life, added: “When
people realise what they are going to face, there will be a lot more
protests.”

A council spokesman last night defended the approval, insisting that officials
“undertook extensive consultation on the application”. Approval was delayed
while council officials conducted further investigations to address local
concerns.

He said: “Appropriate conditions have been attached to mitigate the impact of
the proposed development upon the local area.”

He said while the building was not listed, an archway to the site was, but
“conditions” attached to the planning approval satisfied “our concerns
relating to its protection”.

The tycoon, who together with his brother Mick was listed among the Sunday
Times Rich List, was unavailable for comment last night.