Some building projects can take years to get off the ground.

But when Roman Abramovich is involved, things tend to move a little more quickly.

Some 13 weeks after the Russian oligarch asked Kensington and Chelsea council for permission to build to build a £150million home, the scheme has already been rubber-stamped in its entirety.

Building will start immediately on the development, spread across two stucco-fronted properties running over eight floors in Lowndes Square, behind Harvey Nichols in Knightsbridge.

Mr Abramovich's new home will include eight bedrooms, a cinema/entertainment room, an indoor heated pool and a steam room.

Experts said yesterday that his plans were approved so speedily because he employed a reputable architect to work closely with council conservation officers.

Although he has properties in several countries including Russia, the size of this British development has led to speculation that he may be planning to settle down, or at least spend more time here, with his girlfriend, Russian heiress Daria Zhukova.