A Mysterious Discovery in a Neglected Home
A mummified corpse discovered in a dilapidated £4 million Chelsea mansion has sparked a wave of concern and curiosity among local residents. The property, located on Ifield Road, has been the center of a long-standing legal dispute, with neighbors claiming its poor condition has made nearby homes unsellable. The house’s owner, Nicholas Halbritter, has now been ordered to address the issue of Japanese knotweed in his garden, which has turned into a rat-infested ‘jungle’.
A History of Neglect and Concerns
The concerns about the house date back to at least 2010 when a rotting corpse was found in the basement after residents complained about a strong smell. Neighbors have since identified the deceased as Frank, an Irish builder who was reportedly a lodger. They described him as a regular at a local pub, and his sudden absence raised alarm bells.
Using a ladder from a neighboring garden, police climbed into the property and discovered the decomposed body, which was so advanced that many of them were left vomiting. The officer who found the body was on his first day on the job and was so upset that neighbors offered him whisky.
A House in Disarray
Locals living near the house describe the interior as a swamp due to faulty drains, making it an ideal breeding ground for rats and foxes. The foxes’ ‘screeching’ keeps residents awake throughout the night. The rear of the home is overrun with Japanese knotweed, some 10ft tall, capable of sneaking its way into masonry and spreading to other properties.
Mr. Halbritter is thought to have moved into the house with his mother, Elizabeth, after the death of his father, Sidney. He is believed to be unmarried and has no children. The death of Elizabeth, a convicted shoplifter who stole expensive items from Liberty and John Lewis, is believed to have triggered his apathy towards the upkeep of his home.
Legal Action and Community Response
Following an appeal from residents who signed a petition, the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) has told Mr. Halbritter he must confront the long-running issues at his property. The RBKC has issued him with a Section 215 order, legally compelling him to tidy up the house.
The irony of the situation is not lost on the 78-year-old, who is a former councillor in the borough now taking him to task. He served on its education committee and is a former chair of Kensington and Chelsea’s branch of the Royal British Legion.
Residents on Ifield Road, where homes have sold for more than £3 million, have laid bare the long list of issues plaguing the property for years. At a meeting of the council’s planning applications committee earlier this month, lead petitioner Nik Hoexter highlighted the problems, including rampant knotweed, rats, foxes, and a mosquito swarm from a leaking mains.
Contrasting Public Service and Private Neglect
Despite his public service commitment, Mr. Halbritter is described by neighbors as a ‘neighbour from hell’ who avoids any attempts to discuss the state of his home. His next-door neighbor, Christine Gambles, previously told The Mail on Sunday that he would literally slam the door in her face if she tried to speak to him.
Mr. Halbritter also owns another home in Camberwell that has been left to fall into ruin. He had also owned the home next door, which has since been sold.
Calls for Stronger Action
Councillors voted to serve the Section 215 notice despite a report recommending no action be taken. Speaking in favor of issuing the notice, Councillor Marie-Therese Rossi emphasized the need for direct action to protect the interests of long-suffering residents.
Mr. Hoexter called on the council to take stronger action to enter the property and undertake the work itself under Section 219 of the Act. He argued that the owner is difficult to communicate with and that direct action is necessary.
Previous Legal Issues
This is not the first time Mr. Halbritter has been served a Section 215 notice. In August 2016, he was told to tidy the garden by neighboring borough Hammersmith and Fulham, under a now-expired agreement between three councils. He did not comply with the requests and was hauled before magistrates the following May.
A Kensington and Chelsea council spokesperson said: ‘Following the decision of the Planning Applications Committee, we are proceeding with a Section 215 notice and will progress it in line with the legislation and relevant guidance.’
