Lewis Hamilton's neighbours wage planning war over extension that could mean parking spots in underground garage are too small for their Chelsea tractors
Lewis Hamilton's neighbours are embroiled in a planning war – over an extension that threatens the size of the parking spots for their luxury cars.The posh protestations claim that the reduced room in their underground garage would mean they could struggle to park a £96,000 Range Rover Vogue, a £104,000 BMW 7 Series and a £92,000 Mercedes S Class.The F1 megastar – who this week unveiled Ferrari's 2025 title contender after a switch from Mercedes – lives close to the plush Kensington terrace where battling neighbours are vying for council support. He is not part of the planning application, nor involved in the opposition to the plans. He is no stranger to controversy himself on the road and his agents have submitted 20 planning applications on his behalf, as he's sought permission for all manner of improvements to bring the £18million property up to standards commensurate with his superstar status. The new row comes after one couple on the west London street applied to extend their home by 19 square metres to the rear, creating an additional bedroom and study area and allowing them to reconfigure their kitchen and dining area.But while the owners claim their building works will not affect the parking in the undercroft at the back of the properties, they admitted that it will leave less room for their neighbours to manoeuvre.And locals have hit back that plans for the retained parking space are made to accommodate a 'medium sized car' – when in reality they all own plush Chelsea tractors. Pictures of the site show the owners currently have a BMW X1, which is already nearly 20cm longer than the suggested vehicle size.In letters to Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council, they called the analysis of how cars would be able to move after the extension 'completely redundant and misleading', while a second said it would 'set a precedent for others to follow suit'. The F1 megastar – who this week unveiled Ferrari's 2025 title contender after a switch from Mercedes – lives close to the plush Kensington terrace where battling neighbours are vying for council support The posh protestations claim that the reduced room in their underground garage would mean they could struggle to park a £96,000 Range Rover Vogue, a £104,000 BMW 7 Series and a £92,000 Mercedes S Class Pictures of the site show the owners currently have a BMW X1 (pictured) which is already nearly 20cm longer than the suggested vehicle sizeRead More Handy pit stop: Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton buys £18m west London mansion formerly owned by Burberry's chief designer One argued that the new kitchen extension and the relocation of an original iron communal spiral staircase would: 'violate the spirit of the communal courtyard and violate the Land Registry statement severely limiting the access for vehicles to neighbours'.They continued: As noted in this report, 'a standard sized vehicle will allow another vehicle to manoeuvre in and out of the courtyard, 'although there is less space available to manoeuvre'.'However, we take issue with this statement as most vehicles today are larger than standard - the report sets out a standard car to be 4.3m long x 1.7m wide.'There is no guarantee that any future owner of the house will follow guidelines proposed by a mark on the ground for a small car; and there will be a lot less space to manoeuvre for access into and out.'The following car sizes would be appropriate to park in this neighbourhood and should be tested with a live demonstration with the neighbours in attendance, as we suggest that these dimensions cannot be accommodated: Mercedes Benz S Class- 5.2 to 5.4m long x1.95m wide, Range Rover Vogue 5m to 5.21 long x 2.1m wide, Mini van (small) 4.8 to 5.2m long x 1.8m wide.'Comments posted on the council website say that the current owners of the property have not lived in the UK since they bought the house in 2023.They say in the years since it has been used as a private art gallery and rented out to a 'lovely' couple.Another neighbour, who also parks their car in the undercroft, complained that it is already difficult to manoeuvre into the communal space at the back of the terrace. While the owners claim their building works will not affect the parking in the undercroft at the back of the properties, they admitted that it will leave less room for their neighbours to manoeuvre Locals have hit back that plans for the retained parking space are made to accommodate a 'medium sized car' – when in reality they all own plush Chelsea tractors The extension to the lower ground floor would feature timber glazed doors and windows and the placement of a similar garage doorRead More Lewis Hamilton 'gifted a new home in Italy' as he's welcomed by Ferrari They said: 'As shown on the proposed drawing the car parking space will be much further outward encroaching on the existing drive path of cars gaining access to the communal space beyond.'We can manoeuvre and drive our cars via this only access to the courtyard when the car is parked closer to the boundary. Occasionally when the car is not parked as such and further out, we find the access is restricted and much harder.'The space shown on the proposed drawing is only for a small to medium size car. If a larger car such BMW 7 or a Range Rover Vouge is parked that is very likely, the access will be further restricted, and we will not be able to gain access in the same way we currently enjoy.'In any event if there is a transit or small van requiring access it will not be possible to do so. Often there are deliveries that need to be allowed access that will be restricted and most likely denied access. The access is only one way and if such access is blocked coming down the ramp it is almost impossible to reverse out.'For the above reason we strongly OBJECT to extend the rear and car parking space as shown on the drawing. The existing arrangement should and must be retained without any alterations or extension that obstructs the current drive path, in anyway.'A third added: 'The area under the balconies serves as a covered roadway, which must remain unobstructed to preserve the right of access for vehicles to their respective garages and parking spaces.'This requirement is explicitly stated in the title deeds, which affirm that the roadway is a shared right of use. Any obstruction could significantly hinder access, impacting not only the residents of the houses but also the overall functionality of the shared space.'The planning proposal claims that the changes would be 'minor in nature and are designed to be sympathetic to the existing building and its surroundings'. In letters to Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea council, they called the analysis of how cars would be able to move after the extension 'completely redundant and misleading', while a second said it would 'set a precedent for others to follow suit' The planning proposal claims that the changes would be 'minor in nature and are designed to be sympathetic to the existing building and its surroundings'Read More F1 legend Sir Lewis Hamilton is given green light to cut back 'magnificent' heritage trees at £18million London townhouse The extension to the lower ground floor would feature timber glazed doors and windows and the placement of a similar garage door.There would be a new mansard and skylight on the second floor, with the existing skylight on the first floor relocated.The alterations would not be visible from the street, meaning Sir Lewis' view onto the historic road would not be spoiled.The council's planning and heritage statement concludes that the development 'has been designed to have no undue impact on neighbouring amenity', saying 'it is considered that the proposed development will contribute positively to the character and appearance of the Conservation Area and thus represent an enhancement to the existing situation.'They concluded: 'We confidently and respectfully request that planning permission be granted.'The council document also hit back at parking complaints – saying that it will have 'no unacceptable impact' and quoting council objectives to 'minimise reliance on private car use… by managing congestion and the supply of car parking'.A water butt will also be installed, and they will use the collected rainwater to water the rear garden.To stop vehicles being obstructed within the parking area at the back of the home the application says: 'Based on using a standard sized vehicle the study shows there is space to accommodate a vehicle manoeuvring to and from the court yard when a vehicle is parked at the house. Over F1's winter break completed his shock move to Ferrari away from Mercedes, where he won six World Championships. He won a further title with a Mercedes power unit in the back of his McLaren in 2008Read More Revealed: Why Lewis Hamilton is 'BANNED' from entering former F1 rival Nico Rosberg's house 'To accommodate a vehicle passing behind a parked vehicle the parked vehicle will need to be positioned tight to the new kitchen wall and a demarcation on the ground will be provided for this purpose.'The manoeuvre for the vehicle at the house will be unchanged from the existing arrangement albeit there is less space available to complete the manoeuvre.'Neighbours have also taken issue with the proposal seeking to relocate an iron staircase at the rear of the property, which they say should be a communal decision.Others hit out at the design disrupting the area's 'visual harmony', while others say the extended upper floors will create a 'solid mass' that will be 'over bearing to the communal garden zone'.Hamilton has previously stoked controversy with renovations on his mansion, which have included the installation of metal entrance gates and the demolition of a summerhouse and the erection of a swanky replacement.Neighbours were particularly offended by his summerhouse plans which would, it was alleged, result in their 'working and living conditions [being] seriously disturbed'.In 2023 he was given the green light to prune the twin poplar trees which tower above his gardens — 'magnificent 'heritage' trees . . . easily identifiable upon approach to Heathrow', according to one local.Over F1's winter break he completed his shock move to Ferrari away from Mercedes, where he won six World Championships. He won a further title with a Mercedes power unit in the back of his McLaren in 2008.
