In a dramatic twist to their ongoing planning saga, Geri Halliwell and her husband Christian Horner have finally secured approval to build a £30,000 horse walker on their estate despite fierce opposition from their neighbours. 😲
The Spice Girl, 53, and the former Red Bull Formula One team principal, 52, had their controversial plans for a 77ft horse walker at their Oxfordshire estate approved by the West Northamptonshire District Council. However, this victory comes amid a storm of objections from locals, who raised concerns over the structure’s height and its impact on the rural surroundings.
The couple, who own the horse racing company OMBI, already built new stables for 14 horses, but the horse walker sparked a heated dispute. Despite agreeing to plant 12 trees to screen the structure, the neighbours’ objections were loud and clear. 
In its report, the council stated that the horse walker would be used solely for private equestrian purposes and not for commercial activities like competitions or riding lessons. The design was deemed appropriate for the rural location, though it acknowledged that the structure would be highly visible.
One local, who objected to the proposal, said: “While we don’t object to the idea of a horse walker, the plans as they stand would change the character of the area completely. This will be visible from our property, from the highway, and even the church.” ⛔
This latest controversy is part of an ongoing series of planning issues for Geri and Christian. Just months ago, they found themselves in hot water over an ‘illegal’ brick-built pizza oven in the garden of their Grade II listed mansion. They also clashed with neighbours over a pergola and gazebo that were built without proper planning permission. 
The neighbours have expressed frustration over the couple’s continuous home improvements, with some claiming that the constant developments are ruining the peaceful nature of the village. The couple recently re-applied for permission for the gazebo and pizza oven, after the original plans were met with strong opposition.
“Once a peaceful, quaint property, it’s now a construction site,” said one neighbour. “Where are the inspectors? Why haven’t they intervened sooner?” 😡
The council’s heritage and conservation team also objected to the gazebo, noting its visibility from the neighbouring church, which is a Grade I listed building. The team claimed that the development harmed the setting of the church and the surrounding conservation area.
Will Geri and Christian’s never-ending home improvements continue to cause friction with their neighbours, or is this just the beginning of another planning battle? Only time will tell. 🧐
