Robbie Williams wins five-year battle with Led Zeppelin’s Jimmy Page over underground swimming pool
Representatives for Williams previously said any construction work would fall within stringent regulations
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Your support makes all the difference.Robbie Williams‘ plans to build an underground pool at his Grade II-listed home in west London have been conditionally approved, after a five-year planning battle with his neighbour, Jimmy Page.
The musicians have been warring over Williams’ plans to develop his home, with the Led Zeppelin guitarist saying that he fears construction work could damage his own turreted, redbrick mansion, Tower House.
At a Kensington and Chelsea Council planning meeting in May this year, Page, who bought the property in 1972, argued that the excavation work required to build the pool would be “catastrophic” for his Grade I-listed, Gothic-style home.
Councillors will only allow work to begin on Williams home once they have assurances on vibration levels and ground movement. Williams may also be asked for a bond, which could be forfeited if the conditions are breached or if any damage occurs.
“It seems they are not far apart,” cllr Quentin Marshall, chair of the Kensington and Chelsea planning committee, said of the two musicians. “It’s slightly frustrating. I know the two principles are very busy, but surely they can find a way to talk, which might lock many of the problems.”
After the meeting a spokesman for Page said the rock legend would be happy to meet Williams for a discussion.
“From Jimmy’s point of view he will be reassured that the committee of councillors are taking the protection of the house seriously,” he said. “He wants Robbie to come back with proposals that eliminate all risk to the Tower House.”
Representatives for Williams previously said any construction work would fall within stringent regulations and any effects on surrounding properties would be “negligible”.
The former Take That star is scheduled to headline British Summer Time festival at London’s Hyde Park in 2019.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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