Robbie Williams’ plans to build an underground swimming pool and gym beneath his Grade II-listed west London home have been conditionally approved despite objections from neighbour Jimmy Page.
The pair have been engaged in a dispute over Williams’ planned basement pool since Williams bought the £17m property five years ago. The Led Zeppelin guitarist has expressed fears that construction work may damage his Grade I-listed mansion, the ornately decorated Tower House, built in 1781.
In May, Page won a delay in deferring planning permission. Kensington Town Hall has now contemplated Williams’ fate and approved his plans with conditions.
Councillors will not allow work to commence until they have received assurances about independent monitoring of vibration and ground movement, and may ask Williams for a bond to be forfeited if conditions are breached or damage occurs.
Representatives for Williams have previously said that any work would fall within regulations and that the effect on surrounding properties would be negligible.
Councillor Quentin Marshall, chair of the Kensington and Chelsea planning committee, likened the planning saga to Brexit negotiations. “It’s been six months and [the] meeting yesterday feels like another debate that’s been going on in Westminster.”
He said that Williams and Page should meet to discuss the issue. “It seems they are not that far apart. It’s slightly frustrating. I know the two principles are very busy, but surely they can find a way to talk.”
In 2016, Williams claimed that Page had been sitting outside his house, “recording the workmen to see if they’re making too much noise.” He said: “The builders came in and he was asleep in his garden waiting. It’s like a mental illness.” Williams later apologised.
Builders working for Williams have previously been ordered to pay £4,670 for breaching noise regulations during their work at his home.
A spokesman for Page said he is happy to meet Williams and invited him to “come back with proposals that eliminate all risk to the Tower House”. He described the Town Hall meeting as “the beginning of an instructive dialogue”.
Page told the Daily Mail: “I will keep defending until people take notice. The council has a duty to protect listed buildings like this.”
