[Slowhand] Fortress Hurtwood

[John Mills]

http://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/s/2040914_celebs_planning_wrangles_put_them_in_the_spotlight

Celebs' planning wrangles put them in the spotlight
By Alan Golden
9/12/2008

A BID to improve privacy at his Ewhurst home has left rock star Eric Clapton
at odds with Waverley Borough Council.
At the same time, the authority faces a challenge from Dunsfold-based TV
personality Anthea Turner and her husband, Grant Bovey.
The borough council is preparing to defend itself following the lodging of
planning appeals in respect of both properties.
Guitarist Clapton wants to erect new gates and piers at his home near
popular beauty spot Pitch Hill, while TV's Perfect Housewife and her husband
want to hold on to a tennis court built without planning permission on their
100-acre estate off Chiddingfold Road.
Mr Clapton's proposals had attracted no objections, but planning officers
using delegated powers rejected his application on the grounds that it was
inappropriate development within the green belt.
His home is also in the Surrey Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and
within an area of great landscape value.
This is not disputed by Mr Clapton, but an agent acting on his behalf
claimed there were very special circumstances to outweigh any harm caused by
the development.
"These very special circumstances include the fact that the new piers and
gates will replace existing piers and gates and that there is a need to
improve privacy," stated the agent in the grounds of appeal.
Insisting they would in fact blend in with the rural environment, he said:
"The gates will be close-boarded and constructed from hardwood.
"The new piers will be constructed from locally sourced sandstone and
attractive capping stones upon which wrought-iron feature lamps will be
placed."
The agent stated that these "traditional materials" were in context with the
local environment and the "overall design of the proposal will protect the
landscape character and natural beauty of the area".
The appeal will be dealt with by way of written representations and any
comments should be sent to the Planning Inspectorate in Bristol by December
31.