Lock Stock star in 'party room' battle

He is famous as the tough no-nonsense star of gangster film Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels.

But actor Nick Moran has run into trouble with an outfit somewhat less intimidating than the local "firm" - council bureaucrats.

After buying a top-floor flat, he got the builders to create a £14,000 "party room" by punching a hole in the ceiling and putting up a wooden ladder staircase to a summerhouse made of wood and glass.

But he has been accused of defacing a Grade II listed building by Camden council and English Heritage and may have to tear it down. Moran said: "I'm in all sorts of trouble over this. Personally I don't see what all the fuss is about."

The previous owners of the £385,000 Georgian flat, just off Fitzroy Square in W1 had got planning permission for a roof terrace but had not gone as far as building it. Moran claims his builder had assured him the summerhouse did not need planning permission because it was classified as a temporary structure. However, special consent is needed to develop listed buildings.

Although he has lodged an appeal against the council's decision, Moran is anticipating his party days on the roof are coming to an end.

"I think there is a strong danger I'll have to either render it or chop it in half," he said.

He added: "I often invite everyone back because you can comfortably fit a lot of people and you don't have to worry about the noise or aggravating the neighbours up here." Moran said on one occasion he "had a bunch of Arsenal players come back and they didn't leave until 10.30am the next day".

A Camden council spokesman said Moran had failed to apply for planning permission and listed building consent before building the extension. When he did apply for retrospective planning permission, he was refused. The council is now considering his appeal.