Former British tennis number one Andrew Castle is engaged in a prolonged planning dispute with his neighbors over the construction of his new home in Cobham, Surrey. The two-year conflict has reportedly become so hostile that Castle has accused his neighbors of building a swimming pool without planning permission.
The saga began in 2024 when Castle and his wife, Sophia, purchased a three-bedroom home for £3.75 million on a private estate. By the end of that year, they had submitted initial plans to demolish the existing property and build a larger mansion, complete with a gym, swimming pool, pool house, and sauna. This proposed development was intended to align with the upscale neighborhood, known for attracting celebrities and athletes.
Despite objections from their neighbors, Richard and Taya Cunningham, who have lived next door for over two decades, Elmbridge Borough Council initially granted planning permission. The Cunninghams, owners of Pobjoy Diamonds & Fine Jewellery, raised concerns through a planning agent, citing potential invasions of privacy due to the scale of the proposed development, which they described as "unneighbourly."
Elmbridge Borough Council imposed conditions on the approval, including a requirement to obscure an upstairs gym window before the house could be occupied. However, in the following year, the Castles applied to have these conditions lifted, seeking to alter the layout to include a third bedroom instead of a gym. This request again met with neighborly objections, with a planning officer noting that the proposed changes were "unreasonable" and would lead to a "loss of privacy."
The Castles then countered by alleging their neighbors had constructed their swimming pool without permission. Ultimately, the council refused to lift the conditions. The Castles appealed the decision and were successful in overturning the council's refusal through the Planning Inspectorate in December of the previous year.
In May, the Castles submitted a new planning application for adjustments to landscaping and materials. This application is still pending a decision, but their neighbors remain unconvinced. A recent comment submitted regarding the new application stated that the pool and pool house are excessively large and that the overall development is "overbearing."
Castle, who is set to present the BBC's Wimbledon coverage for the final time this summer, announced earlier this month that he would be stepping down from the role. He commented that he and his wife are building a house and expecting their third grandchild, indicating a positive outlook on personal matters, though the property dispute was not mentioned.
Representatives for Andrew Castle declined to comment on the ongoing situation.