Former Premier League Player Sparks Dispute with Neighbors over Controversial £1.2m Residence
In the quiet village of Englefield Green in Surrey, a dispute has arisen between former Premier League football star Junior Hoilett and his neighbors over the construction of his new home. Hoilett, a Canadian footballer who has played for teams such as Blackburn, Reading, QPR, and Cardiff City, demolished the original £1.2 million house to make way for a new five-bedroom residence complete with a gym, games room, playroom, and nursery. However, it is the addition of a security wall that has caused controversy among the locals.
The dispute comes in the wake of a series of burglaries targeting high-profile football stars’ homes, including Jack Grealish, Kurt Zouma, and Raheem Sterling. Neighbors in Englefield Green have also reported a recent string of burglaries in the area. As a result, Hoilett has decided to enhance the security at his new home by including a wall and security gate.
However, one neighbor has objected to the plans and expressed concern that the wall does not align with the village’s requirements for green frontages. The neighbor wrote a letter of objection, stating, “It hardly falls into the requirements of the village plan for soft, i.e., green frontages to property within the village.” Another neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, mentioned that there was already a wall in place before Hoilett’s construction.
Amanda Willis, the chair of the Englefield Green Village Residents Association, expressed the group’s desire to see more greenery throughout the village. While she acknowledged that the wall does not breach any specific regulations, she stated that the group would have preferred a more open design that showcases the house. However, she also mentioned that there was nothing they could do about it as the plans were within the permitted parameters.
Some neighbors have also voiced their opinion that Hoilett’s new home does not fit in with the area’s architectural style. They believe that the modern design is not appropriate for the plot and would have preferred to see the previous detached house remain. However, close neighbors have mentioned that Hoilett has been communicative throughout the construction process, keeping them informed of his plans.
The construction of Hoilett’s new home has faced delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the need to find a new contractor. Despite these setbacks, Hoilett remains determined to complete his dream residence. Land Registry records show that he purchased the property for £1.2 million in May 2019. The current value of the property is estimated to be at least £3 million.
The plans for Hoilett’s new home are currently under review by officials at Runnymede Council, with a decision expected to be made next month. As the dispute continues, it remains to be seen whether Hoilett will be able to proceed with his desired security wall. However, one thing is clear—this former Premier League player is determined to create a home that reflects his style and priorities, regardless of the objections from his neighbors.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Junior Hoilett’s new residence highlights the clash between personal preferences and community expectations. While Hoilett seeks to enhance the security of his home, some neighbors argue that his chosen design does not align with the village’s aesthetic. As this dispute unfolds, it raises questions about individual rights versus communal harmony and serves as a reminder that even former Premier League players face challenges in their quest to build their dream homes.