Controversy Erupts Over Second Pool at Horner and Halliwell's Historic Mansion

Christian Horner, the Red Bull F1 team boss, and his wife, pop star Geri Halliwell, have secured permission to build a second swimming pool at their Grade II-listed mansion in Marston St Lawrence, Northamptonshire. This decision has ignited outrage among local residents who fear the construction and subsequent use of the pool will disrupt the village's tranquil atmosphere.

The 40-ft outdoor pool has become a flashpoint for controversy, with locals expressing concerns about noise and disruption. One resident lamented, "This is a quiet little village and always has been - until this pair moved in." Another voiced worries about the construction phase, stating, "Now we're going to have to put up with months and months of noisy building work, then years of having to listen to the Horners and their friends partying day and night round the pool in the back garden."

The Horners already have an indoor swimming pool at their mansion, complete with changing facilities and a gymnasium. This has led some locals to question the necessity of a second pool. "A second swimming pool? It's downright greedy, isn't it?" remarked one resident. Another added, "They surely can't need two swimming pools. Most people would settle for one, if they could."

The village of Marston St Lawrence, with a history dating back 900,000 years to the Old Stone Age, is known for its serene environment. The Horners' mansion is located opposite the 17th-century St Lawrence's church, raising concerns that noise from the pool could disrupt church services. A churchgoer noted, "The church is only a few metres from their house and if a pool party is in full swing on a Sunday, how are we going to hear the service?"

Council officials have imposed conditions on the construction work, including a programme of "observation, investigation, recording, analysis and publication" to mitigate any potential ground disturbance. This requirement aims to address the site's long history of human occupation.

Despite these measures, the decision has not been well-received by all. One resident expressed frustration, "I've heard this ruddy pool comes with a heat pump too, so that's going to make a hell of racket. I wish they'd eff off to California, or somewhere more to their taste."

The Horners' application also included plans for decorative planting, including a new vegetable and rose garden with tree arches. However, these additions have done little to placate the concerns of the village residents.

Construction of the second pool moves forward, the tension between the Horners and the local community remains palpable. The residents of Marston St Lawrence continue to voice their displeasure, highlighting the broader issue of balancing modern luxury with the preservation of historical and community values.

Key Takeaways

• Red Bull F1 team boss Christian Horner and wife Geri Halliwell get permission for 2nd pool at their mansion.
• Locals in Marston St Lawrence, Northamptonshire, fear noise and disruption from pool construction and use.
• The Horners already have an indoor pool, leading locals to question the need for a second one.
• Concerns raised about noise affecting 17th-century St Lawrence's church services and village tranquility.
• Council imposes conditions on construction to mitigate ground disturbance and preserve site's history.