Eric Clapton is embroiled in a privacy dispute with his neighbor over their plans to renovate a £2.3 million property, fearing it may compromise the ‘tranquility’ of his rural retreat.
The 80-year-old guitarist has hit out over plans by his wealthy neighbour to upgrade their lavish Surrey Hills mansion.
Clapton, known by fans as Slowhand, has filed an objection against the proposal. submitted last year, to demolish and rebuild the property.
The homeowners intend to refit their house with an expansive open-plan kitchen, dining space, boot room, cozy nook, master bedroom, dual studies, and a dressing room.
They are also seeking to install a terrace and basement with three more en-suite bedrooms.
Clapton has approached the local council, arguing that his neighbor’s renovation plans represent an ‘unacceptable and substantial breach’ of his privacy.
The music legend also fears the design of his neighbour’s new ‘elevated terrace’ would overlook the swimming pool of his Italian-style villa.
In his letter, Clapton said: ‘As a public figure, my privacy is both a personal and professional necessity.
‘The property is frequently used for private meetings and media-related work that requires discretion and seclusion.
Eric Clapton is locked in a planning row with his neighbours over their bid to renovate their home, which he claimed would infringe on his privacy
‘The proposed design, particularly the elevated terrace and extensive glazing, jeopardises this essential privacy.’
The one-time Cream and Yardbirds musician was also concerned about the risk of noise coming from his neighbours from the planned terrace.
The octogenarian rocker added: ‘Hurtwood Edge has been my sanctuary for over 50 years – a place of retreat, peace, and privacy…
‘The estate’s calm and pastoral nature is particularly vulnerable to alterations, and the suggested development significantly endangers these treasured attributes.’
He argued that due to the ‘sloping landscape’ of the area and a raised terrace, there would be a ‘direct, downward-looking view’ into the ‘private’ zones of his residence.
‘This constitutes a significant and unacceptable invasion of my privacy,’ he added.
Clapton has lived in Hurtwood Edge, near Ewhurst, for more than 50 years, reports the Telegraph.
His countryside retreat, constructed in 1910, is the site where Clapton created some of his most iconic music, including ‘Layla,’ inspired by his former wife, model Patti Boyd.
Clapton, 80, feared the renovation would ruin the ‘peace’ of his Surrey Hills home (pictured is the village of Ewhurst)
As well as highlighting his privacy concerns, Clapton also warned about the potential impact on the ‘vibrant nature of our environment’, which he feared could be ‘lost’.
Representatives for his neigbours have defended the renovation plan.
In planning documents, they said: ‘The rationale behind the proposed replacement residential development is to provide the applicants with a high-quality of design with maximum energy efficiency home that will allow for them to be seen through their retirement years, involving low running and maintenance costs and the ability for in-house care and support.
‘The proposed replacement dwelling house and garage would not result in a material increase and the respective built form would actually improve the character and views of the Green Belt.’
Despite Clapton’s opposition to the proposals, planning officers have now approved the renovation.
Daily Mail has approached Clapton’s representatives for comment.
