Andrew Castle ‘wins battle with neighbours to build new £5m luxury pad with pool’

Andrew Castle, a former LBC and GMTV host, reportedly engaged in a dispute with his new neighbors to construct the posh residential complex in leafy Surrey.

Broadcaster and former tennis champ Andrew Castle has reportedly won a battle with his neighbours to demolish a period cottage and build a new £5 million home.The 61-year-old, better known these days for presenting shows on LBC and previously as a host of ITV’s GMTV breakfast, was once ranked the UK’s number one tennis player in the men’s singles back in 1986.

He also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in the late Noughties when he was partnered with former pro dancer Ola Jordan. Since Andrew’s LBC show was dropped in November 2023, the star has been keeping a low profile and it’s not known what he is currently doing for work – or if he has quietly retired.

However, he recently made headlines when his neighbours in leafy Surrey objected to his plans to build a brand-new, luxurious modern home, which is said to be three times bigger than the one it is now.

Additionally, it is thought to have a pool house, sauna, and outdoor pool. A first-floor gym, a master bedroom with his and hers dressing rooms, a downstairs day area, and a coffee bar are additional luxury features.

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In order to improve security and privacy, the presenter is also said to want to install new boundary hedges and trees and construct 6 ft-high entrance gates. The Wimbledon commentator won’t be able to install the tennis court, according to reports that he wants.

According to The Sun, Andrew’s neighbours complained that the “highly prominent” two-storey home was “inappropriate” and “wholly unacceptable”. They even hired their own planning agent to fight their case, citing it overlooked their property resulting in a loss of privacy.

Although Andrew and his wife Sophia changed their plans to appease their new neighbors, according to reports, they were still met with objections.

However, it is now claimed that the local council officials approved the project. Planning permission was reportedly granted with the exception of the gym’s use as a balcony or party terrace due to the absence of obscured glazing.

According to the council, “the proposed development is deemed acceptable in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing, and design,” according to a Sun report. The proposal would have no negative effects on the character of the area or the street scene’s visual elements.

They added: “It is considered that the proposed development would not adversely affect the residential amenities of neighbouring properties by reason of overlooking, loss of daylight or overbearing effect.” The Mirror has approached Andrew’s reps for comment.

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Source: Mirror