Chelsea star Ben Chilwell in furious neighbour row over privacy fence, firepit & basketball court at his £5m mansion
BEN Chilwell has sparked a row with a neighbour after building a firepit and basketball court at his £5million Surrey mansion – without planning permission.
The Chelsea defender, 27, has been caught ” offside” over the unauthorised development at his luxury five-bed pad which boasts a swimming pool, gym and two games rooms.
He put up a retaining wall for a new firepit walkway in a Ground Force-style makeover of his Surrey back garden near the Blues’ Cobham training ground.
But, he failed to get the go-ahead from the local council for the “engineering operation”.
And, his next-door neighbour has objected, citing loss of privacy and overlooking.
In a letter to the council, they wrote: “The new retaining wall to the east and parallel to the border with [my house] has raised the ground levels of the garden and walkway to the firepit by 1.5m compared with the original garden.
“This increase in height means someone in this section of the garden or on the firepit walkway now has direct line of sight into our garden, terrace and kitchen area.
“This loss of amenity and the new levels mean we are now overlooked.
“We are keen to retain the privacy and amenity of our home, terrace and garden and whilst we would prefer the new ground levels not to be so high we appreciate that some mitigation through screening foliage has now bee proposed.”
Chilwell wants to plant new laurel and yew hedges and re-level his garden with further soft planting in grey, green and purple – but no blue.
He also wants to splash out on a stone-stepped pool seating area with glass balustrade, and new paving.
Papers field at Elmbridge Council state that building work was started in April but has not yet been completed, and officials are expected to make a decision in September.
In pre-application advice, they said: “The scheme is unlikely to have a significant impact on the host dwelling/character of the area/neighbour amenity.
“However, this subject to formal consultation with neighbours and relevant consultees.”
Chilwell’s planning agent and the council were approached for comment.
It comes as Chelsea striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa.
Inside Chelsea star’s incredible £2m five-bed dream mansion
By Jane Matthews
CHELSEA striker Armando Broja has kicked off plans to build a dream new home complete with a lush cinema, swimming pool and spa.
The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.
But now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.
Broja hopes to build a bigger luxury five-bed pad with a gaming and entertainment area, cinema, gym, swimming pool and spa.
The proposed new home will also boast a grand double-height entrance hallway, retreat, study and covered outdoor terrace.
The Chelsea striker has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.
In a design statement, his planning agents said: “The proposal provides for a form of development that is in keeping with the character and appearance of the surrounding area in terms of its size, scale, height and design.
“The proposal will be of a high standard of architecture, finish and landscaping, therefore will enhance the existing street scene significantly and add positive value to the existing area.
“The proposed dwelling aims to enhance the plot and internal space utilisation, creating a highly sustainable residence.
“Residential properties in this area mainly comprise large detached dwellings on substantial plots, often gated.”
The existing house has a games room, snug, wine store and living room with a stone fireplace and open fire.
But in a boost to Broja’s green credentials, the proposed new build will feature air source heat pumps, solar power, a heat recovery system and underfloor heating.
In a sales listing for the current home, estate agents said: “The house has significant potential, either to build your dream home from scratch or extend and modernise the existing property on this stunning level plot.”
Land Registry records show that Broja paid £1.8m for the pad in December, just a month before he was farmed out on loan to Fulham.
The forward, 22, splashed out on an old four-bedroom house in a private Surrey estate – not far from the Blues’ Cobham training ground.
But now the player has revealed plans to demolish the £1.8million to make way for a mansion – which will be complete with a boots and kit store.
Broja has applied to his local council for planning permission for a detached two-storey house with rooms in the roof, dormer windows and a garage.
Meanwhile, Man Utd wonder kid Leny Yoro has snapped up a stunning new pad – a £2million mansion which Mason Greenwood once called home.
United’s £52million new signing, Leny Yoro, is set to move into the rented six bed, six bath property and will pay a cool £14,000-a-month.
The home in Bowdon, Cheshire boasts an open plan kitchen, three reception rooms, a cinema room and bar.
What are your rights?
Planning permission guidance according to gov.uk
You will need to request planning permission if you wish to build something new, make a major change to your building or change the use of your building – for example starting a business.
To find out if you need planning permission you should contact your Local Planning Authority through your council.
If planning permission is refused you can appeal.
You are able to appeal if you were refused planning permission for reasons that you think go against the LPA’s development plan or planning policy (you can usually find these on their website).
You can also appeal if you were granted planning permission with conditions you object to – you’ll need to explain why you think they’re unnecessary, unenforceable, vague, unreasonable or irrelevant.
Another ground for appeal is if the LPA has not given you a decision on your application and 8 weeks have passed since the date they told you they’d received it (or a different deadline you agreed with them has passed).