David Gilmour’s Garden Shed Sparks Neighbourhood Controversy
David Gilmour, the renowned guitarist from Pink Floyd, has found himself at the center of a local dispute over a new garden shed at his home in Hampstead, north London. The 79-year-old musician submitted a retrospective planning application to Camden Council after beginning work on the project in April this year. He claims the new structure is modest and traditional, but several residents are not convinced.
The proposed shed is meant to replace an old summerhouse and shed on Gilmour’s property. However, locals argue that the new development is significantly more visually and physically intrusive than what was originally approved or what previously existed. Some have even accused Gilmour of being unneighbourly, citing concerns about the impact on the surrounding area.
According to the details, the new shed will be 5.95 square meters larger than the structure it is replacing. This increase has raised alarms among nearby residents, who believe the expansion goes beyond what was permitted. A local residents association has formally objected to the application, urging the council to reject it and remove the shed as soon as possible to prevent further harm to the neighborhood.
Concerns Over Visual and Physical Intrusion
The residents’ association argues that the application is misleading, claiming that the current structure no longer complies with the existing planning permission for the site. Audrey Mandela, chair of the HHGR group, highlighted that permission was granted to rebuild a shed on its original footprint, approximately two meters from the boundary. However, she states that the actual construction abuts the boundary fence, making it more intrusive.
Mandela added that the structure is “obtrusive, overbearing, and significantly more visually and physically intrusive than what was originally approved.” She also noted that residents had previously raised the issue with Gilmour, hoping to avoid formal action. Instead, he submitted a retrospective application to pre-empt enforcement measures.
While the council may find it difficult to take formal action due to Gilmour’s preemptive move, the residents maintain that the current structure is materially different from what was allowed and causes unnecessary harm. They urge the council to send a strong response to the applicant.
Additional Complaints from Neighbors
Other neighbors have also voiced their concerns. One resident pointed out that the new shed is positioned against the rear fence, making it impossible to obscure with vegetation as was the case with the previous structure. Another suggested that the building should be adjusted to allow a two-meter gap behind it to provide space for planting and wildlife.
Alex Shinder, another objector, criticized the lack of consultation and called the action “unneighbourly.” These complaints highlight the growing tension between Gilmour and his neighbors over the changes to his property.
Support for Gilmour’s Application
In contrast, Gilmour’s agent, Whiteacre Planning, has defended the proposal. They stated that the shed is similar in design to the previously approved summerhouse and is painted green to minimize its visual impact. The structure features a cedar shingle roof, which will gradually silver over time. According to the firm, the shed is of high quality and appropriate for the location.
The letter also refutes the idea that the shed would negatively affect neighboring amenity. It claims that while the roof is above the height of the boundary fence, it does not lead to overlooking, loss of privacy, or overshadowing. The agent concludes that the proposal should be granted without delay, as it complies with all relevant local and national planning policies.
A History of Controversial Structures
This is not the first time Gilmour has faced criticism 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, or face prosecution. Local authorities deemed the yellow hut an eyesore in a conservation area and required its removal.
Gilmour has also made headlines for other decisions, including selling his London home in Maida Vale to Earl Spencer and donating the proceeds to Crisis, a charity supporting the homeless. His career with Pink Floyd began in 1967, and the band became one of the most successful and acclaimed acts in music history during the early 1980s. Gilmour has also released five solo albums.
Ongoing Decision Process
As of now, Camden Council has not set a date for a decision on Gilmour’s new shed. The guitarist has been approached for comment, but no official response has been released yet. The situation remains under review, with both sides presenting their arguments in a matter that continues to divide the local community.
