Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell-Horner are involved in a planning controversy with their neighbors due to structures built without official permission. The couple, who live in a £9.2 million mansion in Marston Saint Lawrence near Banbury on the Oxfordshire border, have faced criticism before from local residents.
Recently, concerns have been raised about a summer house on their property, specifically an oak-framed pergola and gazebo, which were constructed without approval. Planning official Forrest Childs expressed that these structures have spoiled an "unspoilt" view of the nearby Church of St Lawrence.
"Both structures are located between the Grade II listed house and Grade I listed Church of St. The Conservation Officer has raised concerns over the scale, appearance and positioning of the pergola. Whilst noted as well-constructed, the pergola 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. The Grade I listed church was considered to have an unspoilt immediate setting prior to the construction of these buildings."
The location of the Pergola and gazebo compromises the visual integrity of this heritage site, as the Grade I listed church had an unspoiled setting before these additions.
The planning dispute highlights ongoing tensions between the couple and their local community regarding property developments.
This is not the first time locals have criticized the couple’s property alterations, reflecting ongoing disagreements about preserving the village's character and heritage views.