Hollywood star James Corden has found himself in hot water with local authorities over an unexpected domestic issue - his wheelie bins. The Gavin & Stacey creator has been ordered to remove newly laid paving outside his £11.5 million North London home after neighbours and preservation groups complained about the 'unsightly' development.
The Bin Storage Controversy
The television personality and former late-night host installed paving slabs outside his luxury property in a conservation area to create storage space for his bins. However, the work quickly drew criticism from local residents and heritage campaigners who described it as 'detrimental to the character and appearance' of the protected neighbourhood.
Camden Council has now sided with the complainers, issuing a formal enforcement notice demanding Corden 'completely remove the area of hard landscaping' by January 6. Failure to comply could result in legal action against the celebrity.
Council Report and Failed Compromises
In a damning seven-page report, council officials ordered the comedian to dig up all the paving and 'make good any resulting damage' to the property. Corden's team had argued the work constituted merely 'minor landscaping', but this defence failed to convince authorities.
Even the star's attempt to placate critics by planting four new trees backfired spectacularly. Local residents complained the trees were planted too close together to thrive properly, while two mature acer trees are now reportedly at risk due to the controversial paving work.
Additional Heritage Headaches
The bin storage paving isn't the only stone-related controversy causing problems for Corden. Campaigners in Jersey are separately demanding the return of a 5,000-year-old stone circle currently located on his Oxfordshire estate.
The ancient druid temple was originally given to the home's former owner in 1788, but Channel Island authorities now want the historic stones returned. While Corden has expressed willingness to help with the situation, UK heritage bosses have opposed moving the ancient monument.
The ongoing disputes highlight the challenges celebrities can face when their domestic improvements clash with conservation regulations and local community standards, even when they're used to mixing with Hollywood's biggest names.
