Former England football captain Wayne Rooney is embroiled in a costly and bitter battle with his wealthy neighbours over a towering security fence erected around his multi-million-pound Cheshire estate.
Residents living near the football legend's £5 million home in the exclusive village of Prestbury have launched a formal complaint with the local council, demanding the massive wooden structure be torn down. They allege the 6.5-foot-high fence was built without proper planning permission and have labelled it an "intrusive eyesore" that has blighted the area and devalued their own luxury properties.
A Clash in Leafy Prestbury
The dispute has turned the tranquil, tree-lined neighbourhood into a planning warzone. One neighbour's objection letter to Cheshire East Council stated the fence "has a significant adverse impact on the visual amenity of the area" and is "completely out of character" with the surrounding homes.
Another resident complained the imposing barrier is "overbearing" and "not in keeping" with the upmarket area, which is known for its discreet wealth and celebrity residents.
Rooney's Defence: Privacy and Security
On the other side of the fence, Rooney's representatives are fighting back. They have submitted a retrospective planning application to legitimise the structure, arguing it is essential for the family's privacy and security.
The application highlights the high profile of the Rooney family and the need to protect them from potential intruders and overzealous fans. The fence, they contend, is a necessary measure for a public figure seeking a private family life, especially after his move into football management.
Council to Decide the Outcome
The fate of the fence now rests with Cheshire East Council's planning committee. A decision is expected in the coming weeks, and it could go one of two ways:
- Approval: The council could grant retrospective permission, allowing the fence to stay and ending the neighbourhood dispute.
- Rejection: The council could side with the neighbours, ordering Rooney to dismantle the structure at significant cost.
This is not the first time the Rooneys' property plans have caused a stir. A previous application for a large lake on the grounds was also met with objections from neighbours concerned about noise and wildlife.
The outcome of this latest spat will determine whether the ex-Manchester United star can maintain his fortress-like privacy or if he'll be forced to lower his defences.
