Gardeners who waged a “peasants’ revolt” against one of Britain’s wealthiest landowners have won an unexpected victory over allotments at a mansion that served as a set for Downton Abbey.
Ralph Percy, the 12th Duke of Northumberland, had been widely expected to overcome opposition from a group of residents and councillors to his plan to build 80 flats on part of the estate at grade I listed Syon House in west London after he received backing from officials at Hounslow council.
The gardeners argued that the three-acre site is a wildlife haven and home to rare butterflies and beetles.
The application was refused last night after ten councillors on the planning committee voted against it as a loss of open space. Two abstained and
