Lewis Hamilton has applied to cut down four more trees at his £18million Kensington mansion – just three years after he sparked fury over a bid to axe a sugarplum tree despite neighbours claiming he was ‘destroying nature’.
The F1 megastar, 40, has appealed to fell two apple trees entirely, complaining they are ‘poor specimens’. They are set to be replaced, although the species is yet to be decided.
A lime tree will also be pruned back after it caused ‘excessive shading’ at his luxury west London pad, while a magnolia will be cut away from buildings and thinned out for also blocking the sun.
These trees are not under a Tree Protection Order but are still in a conservation area. The proposed plans are currently under review by the council.
The application could re-spark tensions between the Ferrari driver and residents on the plush Kensington street, close to the homes of David Beckham and Robbie Williams.
Over the years, Hamilton’s agents have submitted more than 20 planning applications on his behalf, as he’s sought permission for all manner of improvements to bring the property up to standards commensurate with his superstar status.
These have included the installation of metal entrance gates and the demolition of a summerhouse and the erection of a swanky replacement.
The F1 megastar, 40, has appealed to fell two apple trees entirely, complaining they are ‘poor specimens’. They are set to be replaced, although the species is yet to be decided
The application could re-spark tensions between the Ferrari driver and residents on the plush Kensington street, close to the homes of David Beckham and Robbie Williams
Hamilton only received permission to chop down the ‘beautiful’ sugarplum tree in 2022, after neighbours argued that he would be ‘destroying nature’ if the tree outside his home was removed.
But Hamilton beat out their complaints by providing a report by a tree surgeon which said that the tree was mostly dead and dying anyway.
This report swayed the council who gave him permission to chop down the tree entirely and trim back a magnolia bush.
Sources close to Hamilton told MailOnline that he was fond of the sugarplum tree but as it was dying he has had it replaced with a similar-looking apple blossom cherry tree.
A year later he was also allowed to prune twin poplar trees which tower above his gardens – ‘magnificent “heritage” trees . . . easily identifiable upon approach to Heathrow’, according to one local.
It was the latest planning battle with local residents over the renovations to his palatial £18million mansion in one of the capital’s most desirable conservation areas.
The extensive building work includes a rear extension, summer house and new frontage with a larger security wall and gates to ‘improve the character and privacy of the building’, according to a council planning report.
His garden design team, led by Florian McLaren at Highland Aboriculture, previously won permission to trim a Horse Chestnut tree by two metres, with the application form stating the changes are ‘to reduce shading and reduce loading on regrowth points’.
Over the years, Hamilton’s agents have submitted more than 20 planning applications on his behalf. Pictured: Inside the property
He’s sought permission for all manner of improvements to bring the property up to standards commensurate with his superstar status. Pictured: The property’s kitchen and dining room
A neighbour backing onto Hamilton’s property supported the application, saying that the large trees can leave ‘pigeon droppings’ all over their garden.
They asked for ‘as many as possible of the horizontal branches, that hang over our property, be pruned back’, adding that ‘the pigeon droppings in that corner can be a nuisance’.
In a separate application to the council Hamilton also wanted to chop down an Amelanchier tree, also known as a shadbush.
His team said the tree was ’80 per cent dead and in terminal decline’ and asked to cut back the crown of a Magnolia Grandiflora by one to two metres.
In a previous planning application by Hamilton, one neighbour moaned that the ‘current owner bought the property for £18million in 2017 and has never set foot in it’.
When the racing car driver applied to demolish the existing summerhouse, there were fears from locals regarding the trees and it being used as a party pad.
Neighbours expressed concern that the property had reportedly ‘remained empty’ while they also disagreed that the trees were in ‘poor’ condition.
One said: ‘It certainly does not need another house at the rear of its garden, which, if the owner ever does move in, will no doubt be used as a ‘party house’ away from the main residence, due to the nature of his lifestyle.’
Hamilton’s plans for the house have included the installation of metal entrance gates and the demolition of a summerhouse and the erection of a swanky replacement. Pictured: The home’s bedroom
Another said: ‘Since the property was bought, the beneficial owner(s) concealed by the corporate envelope never used it.
‘The property has remained empty to this day, and it is very likely that the PP is being sought to (again) ‘dress up’ an investment for capital gain.
‘It is disheartening to see tree consultants describe the quality of the poplars (and certain other trees) as ‘low quality’.
‘These trees have been there for over 100 years and are part of a magnificent landscaping legacy in this precious conservation area of the RBKC.
‘Their possible demise over time as a result of the construction would seriously impair the value of the neighbouring properties.’
A final one wrote: ‘They are magnificent ‘heritage’ trees, which are easily identified from an airplane upon approach to Heathrow Airport.
‘The report also describes them both as in ‘Poor’ structural condition. I hope that this is also incorrect. In addition, they are considered ‘post-mature’ in age.
‘The combination of these comments makes me concerned that there is a desire to take them down to create more room for the building works.’
