A Ripple official has encountered resistance from three iconic actors of the Harry Potter series regarding her proposed home renovation in London.
Sendi Young, who serves as Ripple’s Managing Director for the UK and Europe, has plans to update her 1960s single-story house located in the scenic West Hampstead area of London.
The Camden New Journal highlighted that the immediate neighbors to Young’s residence are Emma Thompson (who portrayed Professor Trelawney), Imelda Staunton (known for her role as Professor Umbridge), and Jim Broadbent (who played Professor Slughorn) from the popular Harry Potter movies.
These prominent British stars, together with their partners, have come together to express their concerns about the intended home makeover.
The main contention from the actors revolves around the proposed house’s contemporary and boxy architecture, which they believe clashes with the prevailing Victorian charm of the neighborhood.
In a written submission to the Camden Council, Emma Thompson expressed that the design seems more appropriate for a location like Malibu, rather than the historic West Hampstead Conservation Area. She commented, “The suggested structure starkly contrasts the Arts and Crafts ambiance of the region. While I don’t inherently oppose modern designs, they should be akin to planting trees – the right design for the right environment. This proposal feels misplaced.”
Similarly, Imelda Staunton and her spouse, Jim Carter, voiced their reservations, particularly pointing out the “harsh and striking” metal cladding of the proposal. They likened it more to a commercial park than the Edwardian character of the residential zone.
Echoing the same concerns, both Thompson and Jim Broadbent sent communications to the Camden Council, emphasizing that greenlighting such a design could potentially set an unfavorable benchmark for future developments in the area.
Actors Raise Environmental and Safety Concerns
The objections raised by the actors were multifaceted, encompassing both environmental and safety aspects, in addition to their aesthetic concerns.
Staunton highlighted that the design of the proposed residence might cast shadows, limiting natural light and adversely impacting the local fauna that often find refuge in her garden.
Another concern shared was about the privacy and well-being of female students from a school nearby. The actors expressed apprehensions that the expansive floor-to-ceiling windows envisioned by the Youngs might compromise the privacy of these students, particularly when they engage in activities on the neighboring cricket field.
Yet, in the face of these various objections, it seems the Young family is determined to continue with their renovation plan.
Scenario Architecture, the design agency behind the project, has come forward to address and counter the criticisms posed by the renowned local personalities.
The firm expressed surprise at the conservative stance taken by individuals from the creative industry. A spokesperson from Scenario Architecture remarked, “It’s intriguing that those from a creative domain can have such a traditional perspective when it pertains to a different sector.”
Meanwhile, Ripple has experienced its own challenges and triumphs. Recent developments highlight a significant victory for Ripple against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
In July, a decision from the District Court for the Southern District of New York tilted in Ripple’s favor, in a lawsuit initiated by the SEC. The court determined that merely selling XRP on digital exchanges did not inherently make it an investment contract.
However, the court also made a distinction, ruling that when sold to institutional buyers, XRP qualifies as a security. This determination was based on the criteria outlined in the Howey Test.
