Eric Clapton has found himself caught up in a new dispute with his neighbours, who have plans to rebuild their country home.
His neighbours have written proposals to demolish and rebuild the £2.3million property, which they purchased in 2024. The renovation of the home in Surrey Hills will include a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, boot room, snug, his-and-hers study, and a master bedroom with a dressing room.
In a letter written to the local authority, Clapton has claimed their plans represent a “significant and unacceptable invasion” of his privacy. His neighbours plan to build an “elevated terrace” which would result in their new ability to observe and overlook his swimming pool.
His letter continued, “As a public figure, my privacy is both a personal and professional necessity. The property is frequently used for private meetings and media-related work that requires discretion and seclusion. The proposed design, particularly the elevated terrace and extensive glazing, jeopardises this essential privacy.”
As well as noise proving an issue, he wrote, “Hurtwood Edge has been my sanctuary for over 50 years – a place of retreat, peace, and privacy… The Estate’s tranquil, rural character is highly sensitive to changes, and the proposed development poses a significant threat to these cherished qualities.”
The Cream guitarist concluded, “Given the sloping nature of the site, the proposed elevated terrace and extensive glazed façades will create clear, downward-facing views into the private amenity areas of Hurtwood Edge. This constitutes a significant and unacceptable invasion of my privacy.”
Nonetheless, his rebuttal has fallen on deaf ears. Despite Clapton’s objections, council planning officers have approved the plans.
Clapton released his 22nd solo album, Meanwhile, in October 2024. In 2025, the 80-year-old star went on tour in Europe in the spring and summer, and celebrated a 7-date US tour with a sold-out closing night at Mohegan Sun Arena, Connecticut.
