A Garden Shed Sparks Controversy Around David Gilmour’s Home
A seemingly simple garden shed has turned into a source of conflict between the legendary Pink Floyd guitarist, David Gilmour, and his neighbors. The 79-year-old musician has faced criticism from local residents who claim the structure is “obtrusive” and “overbearing.” The dispute centers around a new shed being built at his home in Hampstead, north London, which is replacing an old summerhouse and shed.
Gilmour has described the new structure as “modest in size” and “traditional in construction.” However, locals argue that the development is significantly more visually and physically intrusive than what was previously approved or originally present on the site. Some have even accused him of being “unneighbourly.”
The proposed shed will be 5.95 square meters larger than the summerhouse it is replacing. This increase in size has raised concerns among residents, who feel that the new structure violates the original planning permission. A local residents’ association has submitted a detailed objection to Camden Council, urging them to reject the application and remove the shed “as soon as possible” to prevent further harm to the neighborhood.
Local Concerns and Formal Complaints
The residents’ association claims that Gilmour’s application is “deliberately misleading.” They argue that the structure currently under construction does not comply with the existing planning permission for the site. According to Audrey Mandela, chair of the HHGR group, the original permission allowed for a shed to be rebuilt on its original footprint, approximately two meters from the boundary.
However, the current structure is said to be abutting the boundary fence, making it “substantively different and more intrusive.” Mandela added that the residents had previously raised their concerns with Gilmour, hoping to avoid formal action. Instead, the musician submitted a retrospective planning application, possibly to pre-empt enforcement action.
Another resident pointed out that the new shed is against the rear fence, meaning it cannot be obscured by vegetation like the previous structure. Another objector suggested that the building should include a two-meter gap behind it to allow for planting and wildlife space.
Alex Shinder, another concerned neighbor, stated, “There was no consultation and the action is unneighbourly.”
Support for Gilmour’s Proposal
In contrast, Gilmour’s representatives, Whiteacre Planning, have defended the proposal. They stated that the shed is designed similarly to the previously approved summerhouse, with a green paint finish to minimize visual impact. The roof is made of cedar shingles, which will naturally silver over time. The firm also emphasized that the structure is of high quality and appropriate for the location.
They rejected the idea that the shed would negatively affect neighboring amenity. The letter argued that although the roof is above the height of the boundary fence, it would not lead to overlooking, loss of privacy, or overshadowing. The firm concluded that the proposal should be granted without delay, as it complies with all relevant planning policies.
A History of Controversial Structures
This is not the first time Gilmour has found himself in a dispute over structures on his property. In 2011, he was ordered to remove a beach hut at his listed £3 million seafront mansion in Hove, East Sussex. The local council deemed the yellow hut, used to store his bicycles, an eyesore in a conservation area and required its removal.
Gilmour famously sold his house in London’s Maida Vale to Earl Spencer, donating the £3.6 million proceeds to Crisis, a charity supporting the homeless. His career with Pink Floyd began in 1967, and the band went on to become one of the most successful and acclaimed acts in music history during the early 1980s. Gilmour has also released five solo albums.
Next Steps
Camden Council has not yet set a deadline for a decision on the new shed. Gilmour has been approached for comment but has not yet responded publicly. As the debate continues, the outcome of this planning application could set an important precedent for future developments in the area.
