Summarize this content to 2000 words in 6 paragraphs Former LBC and GMTV host Andrew Castle has reportedly won a fight with his new neighbours to build the luxury development in leafy SurreyTennis star turned broadcaster Andrew Castle has reportedly won a planning war with his neighbours(Image: Getty Images)Broadcaster and former tennis champ Andrew Castle has reportedly won a battle with his neighbours to demolish a period cottage and build a new £5 million home.The 61-year-old, better known these days for presenting shows on LBC and previously as a host of ITV’s GMTV breakfast, was once ranked the UK’s number one tennis player in the men’s singles back in 1986.He also appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in the late Noughties when he was partnered with former pro dancer Ola Jordan. Since Andrew’s LBC show was dropped in November 2023, the star has been keeping a low profile and it’s not known what he is currently doing for work – or if he has quietly retired.But he hit the headlines again recently after his neighbours in leafy Surrey hit back at his plans to demolish his existing three-bedroom cottage so he can build a new luxury modern house, said to be three times bigger than the property that is currently there.It’s also thought to include an outdoor swimming pool, sauna and pool house. Other luxury features cited are a first floor gym, master bedroom with his and hers dressing rooms, a downstairs day area and a coffee bar.READ MORE: Tiny UK seaside village is so charming tourists are flocking there every yearBut the ex tennis champ is said to have the tennis court he wanted installed turned down (Image: Getty Images)The presenter is also said to want to build 6ft-high entrance gates and plant new boundary hedges and trees to boost security and privacy. However, the Wimbledon commentator reportedly won’t be allowed to have the tennis court he wanted installed.According to The Sun, Andrew’s neighbours complained that the “highly prominent” two-storey home was “inappropriate” and “wholly unacceptable”. They even hired their own planning agent to fight their case, citing it overlooked their property resulting in a loss of privacy.Though Andrew and his wife Sophia changed their plans to appease their new neighbours – reportedly swapping round a gym and rear bedroom on the first floor – they were still met with objections.But officials at the local council are now said to have given the project the green light. Planning permission was reportedly granted on condition that the gym has obscured glazing and a flat roof extension is not used as a balcony or party terrace.The Sun report quoted the council as saying: “The proposed development is considered acceptable in terms of scale, form, bulk, height, massing, spacing and design. There would be no adverse impact on the character of the area of the or the visual amenities of the street scene as a result of the proposal.”They added: “It is considered that the proposed development would not adversely affect the residential amenities of neighbouring properties by reason of overlooking, loss of daylight or overbearing effect.” The Mirror has approached Andrew’s reps for comment.READ MORE: Stacey Solomon’s go-to brow sculpting gel creates laminated eyebrows in secondsDo you have a story to share? Email me at katie.wilson01@reachplc.comFollow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads
