Eric Clapton is locked in a planning feud with neighbours who plan to demolish their country home and rebuild it with an "elevated terrace".
The musician, 80, has lodged an objection to the planning application to rebuild the £2.3m property in Surrey, which was purchased by its current owners in 2024.
The proposed new building would include a sweeping open-plan kitchen, a dining room and living room, snug, two studies and a master bedroom with a dressing room attached, The Telegraph reports.
But a particular point of contention is a proposal for an "elevated terrace" which Clapton argues would overlook his swimming pool and cause “a significant and unacceptable invasion” of his privacy.
The Cream guitarist wrote to his local authority: “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. The proposed design, particularly the elevated terrace and extensive glazing, jeopardises this essential privacy.”
Nevertheless, council planning officers have recommended the plans for approval, despite Clapton's objection.
Clapton has lived in his Italian-style villa for more than 50 years, and describes it as his "sanctuary" as well as a “place of retreat, peace and privacy".
The property was built in Ewhurst, a hamlet nestled in the Surrey Hills, in 1910 and it boasts its own terrace.
Clapton has written some of his most famous songs at the villa, including Layla - which was inspired by his ex-wife, model Pattie Boyd.
He wrote: "The Estate’s tranquil, rural character is highly sensitive to changes, and the proposed development poses a significant threat to these cherished qualities.
He said "given the sloping nature of the site, the proposed elevated terrace and extensive glazed façades will create clear, downward-facing views” into his home’s “private amenity areas”.
“This constitutes a significant and unacceptable invasion of my privacy."
Clapton also cited environmental concerns, noting: "I have always, over the years, enjoyed an affinity with my neighbours who have appreciated the truly special, vibrant natural nature of our environment, preservation of its ecology and our privacy, and I would hate for this to be lost."
However, his neighbours have staunchly defended their planning application.
Documents submitted on their behalf state: "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."
