Darcey Bussell (pictured in January this year) has almost completely demolished her home
Strictly star Darcey Bussell has unveiled elaborate plans for her multi-million pound home in one of the capital’s most exclusive enclaves.
The former prima ballerina, 49, has almost completely demolished her property in south-west London, reducing it to rubble save for the facade.
Once completed, the lavish three-storey, four-bedroom house will also boast a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area, a separate living room and a large study – and will be worth about £5 million.
The demolition has been underway for around a year, with a completion date yet to be finalised.
It is thought the work may have been delayed further because of poor weather conditions.
According to reports, the 49-year-old and her family are renting a property nearby while they wait for their home to be finished.

Plans submitted by the developers show the north of the property and the garden

The former prima ballerina, 49, has almost completely demolished her property in south-west London, reducing it to rubble save for the facade

The dancer, her hedge fund manager husband Angus Forbes (pictured together in 2010), and their two teenage daughters originally moved into the house in 2014 after spending five years in Australia
The dancer, her hedge fund manager husband Angus Forbes, and their two teenage daughters, Phoebe and Zoe, originally moved into the house in 2014 after spending five years in Australia.
The property, originally built in 1920, is in a conservation area in South-West London, meaning the Strictly Come Dancing Judge has to keep the facade to fit in with the well-heeled area.
Initial proposals submitted in September 2016 were refused two months later on the grounds the building would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area.
Planners said it would ‘block views of a nearby Silver Birch tree’ and ‘fail to preserve or enhance the character and appearance of the Conservation Area.
Proposals submitted by developers demonstrate how the home will boast a living area overlooking the garden with a kitchen and dining room towards the rear.
A neighbour objected to the plans in October 2016, arguing ‘constant works on building sites’ in the area caused parking issues with skips and site vehicles blocking the road.
The homeowner added: ‘I am concerned at the already increasing numbers of historic houses facing either total demolition or internal gutting.
‘In time they will become soul-less shells of once cleverly and stylishly designed houses.
‘This desire and fashion to have the perfect, built to personal specification house, is resulting in the loss of historic interiors, which, in other circles, are highly desirable.’

Once completed, the lavish three-storey, four-bedroom house will also boast a state-of-the-art kitchen and dining area, a separate living room and a large study – and will be worth about £5 million

The property, originally built in 1920, is in a conservation area in South-West London, meaning the Strictly Come Dancing Judge has to keep the facade to fit in with the well-heeled area

The Strictly Come Dancing judge is said to be renting a property nearby in the interim

Initial proposals submitted in September 2016 were refused two months later on the grounds the building would have a detrimental effect on the surrounding area

A neighbour objected to the plans in October 2016, arguing ‘constant works on building sites’ in the area caused parking issues with skips and site vehicles blocking the road

The demolition has been underway for around a year, with a completion date yet to be finalised
Neighbours said the ‘charming’ family had been careful to consult them widely before beginning the project, so there is little grumbling about the disruption that could last for several months.
But one said: ‘If a neighbour pulls a house down that is in your view then you regret it, but that is the law… I told them I would prefer if it didn’t happen.’
Another neighbour said she had been watching the progress with ‘amazement’, adding: ‘It is so clever. How do you take the whole house down and still leave the front?’
Ms Bussell and her husband are also believed to retain an interest in an imposing chateau in Juillac in central France.
It is run by her halfbrother James, an architect, who is helping design her new London home.