Chart-topping singer Lewis Capaldi has been instructed by local authorities to reduce the height of a wooden fence surrounding his luxury Glasgow property after a neighbour lodged a formal complaint. The 29-year-old musician, known for hits like 'Someone You Loved', built the nearly six-foot-high barrier for privacy and security but failed to obtain the necessary planning consent beforehand.
Neighbour's Objection and Council Ruling
The dispute came to light after Capaldi submitted a retrospective planning application to East Renfrewshire Council for the fence at his £1.6 million mansion. His neighbour, Adam Dunwoodie, objected strongly, stating the structure had a 'significant adverse impact' on his daily life and dominated his property.
In a detailed letter to the council, Mr Dunwoodie emphasised the 'oppressive impact' of the fence's height and its proximity to his garden. He noted that only one room in his home was not affected by its presence. 'Our own concerns and objections have been mirrored by every visitor to our property,' he wrote, also criticising the fence's finish and lack of maintenance access.
The council reviewed the case and concluded that a section of the fence near Mr Dunwoodie's home was excessively prominent. They have ordered Capaldi to lower that specific section from approximately 1.8 metres (almost 6ft) down to 1.6 metres (5ft 3in) to lessen its visual impact until newly planted hedging matures.
Sun Room Approval and Ongoing Renovations
Despite the fence issue, the council has granted the Brit Award winning singer permission to proceed with another project: building a sun room extension on the grounds of the property. This forms part of a series of major renovations Capaldi has undertaken since purchasing the mansion in September 2020.
Recent approved works for the estate, where the singer has an estimated £30.4 million net worth, include:
- A personal recording studio overlooking a pond, approved earlier this year.
- A triple garage for his car collection, granted permission last year.
- A stunning 10m x 5m swimming pool with floor-to-ceiling windows, approved in April 2022.
Mr Dunwoodie clarified in his objection that he did not oppose any of these other construction projects, taking issue solely with the fence's height and location.
Context and Capaldi's Recent Activities
The planning decision arrives as Lewis Capaldi continues to balance his career with health challenges, having been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. He took a break from touring after a difficult set at Glastonbury in 2023 but made a successful return to the festival stage as a 'secret' act in June 2024, also releasing a new single titled 'Survive'.
The council's planning letter acknowledged the need for screening and privacy but deemed the initial fence height inappropriate in one specific location. The amended plans showing the reduced height have now been approved, resolving the neighbourly dispute over the boundary.
