One next-door neighbour, a mother whose family have lived in the area for
three generations, told The
Evening Standard: “This is all that’s grotesque in the world. Nobody
lives here and there’s nothing left.”

Brian Callan, a property manager who lives opposite, said he feels “petty
powerless” to stop the development.

The plans include a steam room, sauna and treatment room in the basement, all
accessed by lift.

Mr Choudhrie will also knock down a conservatory behind of the Grade II-listed
property and replace it with a dining room, family room and roof terrace
overlooking the mews home, which houses two employees and a gym.

In 2011, Mr Clegg and his wife hosted an event for Path To Success, the
Choudhrie family’s charity, at Lancaster House, a property of the government
estate. Aides said that Mr Clegg had also met Mr Choudhrie at Chevening, the
Deputy Prime Minister’s official country residence.

^{Anita and Sudhir Choudhrie at the Asian Business Awards 2013 in London
(Edward Lloyd/Alpha Press)}

A spokesman for the Choudhries said: “Planning permission has been granted and
that’s that. As far as the SFO investigation goes they have not been
interviewed or talked to again.”

An SFO spokesman said: “No charges have been brought as yet.”