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Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell’s private pool plans branded ‘disrespectful’
Proposal for the couple’s Grade I-listed mansion sparks fury among neighbours who fear for the historical tranquillity of their village
Christian Horner and Geri Halliwell’s plans to build a swimming pool at their country retreat have been branded “disrespectful” by neighbours who fear it will ruin their quiet village.
The former Spice Girl and her Formula One boss husband have submitted an application to build a pool at their Grade I-listed manor house in rural Northamptonshire.
Furious neighbours have objected to the plans they feel will spoil the character of the village of Marston St Lawrence.
One resident warned that the proposed pool would be directly opposite an Anglo-Saxon church.
“Many local families attend the Church and of course the Rector conducts weddings, baptisms and funerals,” they said.
“It would be the height of disrespect to be standing in the churchyard during an internment to be distracted by screaming, shouting and splashing from a short distance away.”
They added in a planning document: “I request that the peace of the area is preserved as it is now, so that locals and visitors can continue to enjoy a village that they chose for its beauty and peacefulness.”
Historically peaceful village
Another neighbour also noted that the pool is set to be built in a conservation area, which has “historically been a peaceful and quiet part of the village”.
The plans propose a 40ft by 16ft pool with a fountain, surrounding topiary, and sunbeds.
Halliwell and Horner’s home features the main house, stables, a dovecote, walled kitchen garden, and barn.
A heritage statement submitted in defence of the couple’s plans said: “The proposed swimming pool represents another phase of the history of [the house].
“The proposals will not result in any impact to the evidence or fabric of earlier phases of development or impinge on our ability to understand the evolution of the house over time.
“The architectural quality and status of the house will not be affected by the installation of a modest swimming pool in a historically removed area of the garden.”
Representatives of the couple have been contacted for comment.