AN Indian Bean tree in the front garden of a mansion is at the centre of a row between Islington Council, 40 neighbouring residents and the famous fashion designer who owns the property.

Northern Irish designer Jonathan Anderson – known for his eponymous brand JW Anderson and costume design on recent films Challengers and Queer – purchased the empty home near Highbury Corner for £4.6million in 2021.

But his plans to demolish the villa – and the large tree in its front courtyard – to build a new house with an outdoor swimming pool, basement and blacked out windows have outraged other residents.

Bronwen Taylor, who has lived next door to Mr Anderson’s property for 40 years, told the Tribune: “I think a lot of people feel that this large thing is being foisted on us. There are a lot of planning rules that say this should not happen. It’s totally un-street friendly.”

Residents have now initiated proceedings totake Islington Council to court over its decision to approve the plans.

Top of their list of concerns is the proposal to fell the tree, which canopies the street with huge green leaves and foot-long beans when it flowers in the spring.

Supposedly planted by the previous owner, an audio engineer who created sound mixers used by Pink Floyd and who used to host raucous parties at the property, the tree is rumoured to have grown from a seedling that originated in the garden of John Lennon, Eric Clapton or George Harrison – although exactly which one, the neighbours were not sure.

“This is a conservation area so all the trees are supposed to be protected,” said lawyer Anne Cruikshank, who also lives in the street. “We don’t have any idea why the council has approved this development, which involves knocking out every single tree on the site. Why is this happening, especially in a climate crisis? It’s inconsistent. We already have an urban heat island because there are so few trees in this section of the street.

“He should be entitled to build something but there are guardrails that have just been completely disregarded.”

The Tribune was unable to reach Mr Anderson this week.

According to the planning documents, three semi-mature trees would be planted to replace the Indian Bean tree.

According to the council, planning officers are aware of the residents’ concerns and intend to revisit the plans at a public meeting in February.

A spokesperson said the council is currently in the process of assessing the planning application and will listen to feedback from residents as part of the process.