Geri Halliwell and Christian Horner have ignited a fresh planning dispute with their neighbours concerning an allegedly 'illegal' brick-built pizza oven situated within the garden of their Grade II listed mansion. The former Spice Girl and the ex-Red Bull Formula One team principal are already embroiled in conflicts with local residents over a pergola and gazebo constructed without the requisite planning consent.
Neighbourhood Tensions Escalate Over Renovations
Residents in the quaint village have voiced significant concerns, alleging that the couple's continuous home improvement projects are severely disrupting the area's cherished tranquillity. One neighbour expressed feeling deliberately 'trolled' after the Horners adorned their contentious pergola with fairy lights, a move perceived as provocative given the ongoing planning disagreements.
The latest controversy centres on a separate retrospective planning application submitted by Geri and Christian for 'an oak framed gazebo with a lead roof and a brick-built pizza oven'. Notably, this structure is not yet fully completed. This application follows closely on the heels of a re-submitted request last week seeking permission solely for the pergola.
Details of the Planning Application
In their most recent application documents, the couple acknowledge that construction work on the gazebo commenced on 14 April last year. Nearly nine months later, they are now submitting this second application in an attempt to validate what local authorities deem 'illegal' works.
A particularly contentious point arises from the application form, where, when questioned whether the site is visible from public areas such as roads or footpaths, the Horners have ticked the 'no' box. However, this claim appears questionable, as recent photographic evidence suggests the pergola, at minimum, is visible from the adjacent church grounds.
Heritage Concerns and Official Objections
The local council's heritage and conservation team has formally objected to the developments. Their assessment states the pizza oven's 'flue is also visible over the wall and which cumulatively is considered to have a harmful impact on the setting of the listed building'.
Furthermore, regarding the pergola, the heritage team noted it 'lies in direct sight of the church when viewed from this garden area to the east of the house and detracts from views of the church which is Grade I listed and therefore impacts its setting'.
Neighbour Outcry and Allegations of Inequality
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, spoke out this week about the persistent renovations at the £9.2 million property. They stated: 'The pergola and wooden gazebo that were refused retrospective planning permission still exist, and are being used with fairy lights on top. It is like we are being trolled... Any ordinary person would have been forced to tear it all down. This just shows the level of injustice and inequality shown between the super wealthy and the average person.'
Several other neighbours have submitted formal objections via the planning portal. One wrote: 'This has already been built, along with a sauna block higher than the wall, which in a conservation area is unacceptable.' Another questioned the oversight, asking: 'Where are you inspectors, or do the rules not apply here?'
Application Revisions and Royal Contrast
The application form indicates the Horners sought pre-application advice on 27 November last year and have since made revisions following an initial refusal. It explains: 'The proposed lower pitched slate roof was still deemed too impactful, and so in this application we have proposed a much lower pitch that is now finished in lead.'
In a stark contrast to their local disputes, Geri Halliwell-Horner recently enjoyed a high-profile engagement with the Queen. The pair visited a cancer support charity together, where Geri expressed her admiration, stating: 'I'm such a big fan of the Queen. I think she's amazing and stoic... a formidable force of nature.'
Representatives for Mr and Mrs Horner have been approached for comment regarding the ongoing planning matters.
