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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National

Robbie Williams gets permission for underground swimming pool at Kensington home after five-year planning spat with Jimmy Page

Five-year spat: Robbie Williams and Jimmy Page (Picture: PA)

Singer Robbie Williams' controversial plans for an underground swimming pool have been conditionally approved - despite objections from his Led Zeppelin guitarist neighbour Jimmy Page.

The decision could put an end to a five-year row between the celebrity musicians over plans for Mr Williams' home off Kensington High Street in west London.

Planning permission for the pop star's underground gym and swimming pool at his Grade II-listed home was approved with conditions at a Kensington Town Hall meeting on Tuesday evening.

Mr Page, 74, had raised fears construction work could damage his Grade I-listed gothic revival mansion. Councillors will only allow work to commence once they have received assurances on vibration levels and ground movement.

Robbie Williams' Kensington home (David Mirzoeff/PA)

They will also consider asking Mr Williams, 44, for a bond, which could be forfeited if the conditions were breached or if any damage occurs.

Cllr Quentin Marshall, chair of the Kensington and Chelsea planning committee, suggested the celebrities should meet and try and put their differences aside.

Cllr Marshall said: "It seems they are not that far apart. 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, who bought the turreted redbrick property in 1972, said the rock legend is happy to meet ex-Take That star Mr Williams.

Jimmy Page's Kensington home (David Mirzoeff/PA)

He said: "From Jimmy's point of view he will be reassured that the committee of councillors are taking the protection of the house seriously.

"He wants Robbie to come back with proposals that eliminate all risk to the Tower House."

Representatives for Mr Williams previously said any construction work would fall within stringent regulations, and that any effects on surrounding properties would be "negligible".

Reporting by Press Association.

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