Former Spice Girl Geri Halliwell and her husband, ex-Red Bull Formula One team principal Christian Horner, have been accused of 'trolling' their neighbours by adorning an 'illegal' pergola with fairy lights at their lavish Northamptonshire estate. The celebrity couple, who reside in a £9.2 million Grade II listed mansion, have submitted a new retrospective planning application for the structure after their previous bid was rejected by local authorities.
Neighbours Express Fury Over 'Complete Disregard' for Regulations
According to reports in The Times, one neighbour claimed the couple were 'rubbing their noses' in the situation by installing black wired fairy lights along the length of the pergola, which remains in place despite the planning refusal. The neighbour stated, 'It is like we are being trolled as the black wired wrapped-around fairy lights over the length of the pergola are still in situ. If that is not rubbing our noses in it and showing complete disregard for the planning process, I don't know what is.'
The resident further highlighted a perceived injustice, adding, 'Any ordinary person would have been forced to tear it all down. This just shows the level of injustice and inequality shown between the super wealthy and the average person.'
Controversial Renovations and Planning Battles
The pergola and an accompanying gazebo were constructed without planning permission and have become a focal point of local discontent. Planning official Forrest Childs rejected the initial application, noting that while the structures were 'well-constructed', they obstructed views to and from a nearby Grade I listed church. The gazebo's slate tiled roof, standing about 1.3 metres above the garden boundary wall, is visible from outside the property.
In their new application, the couple focus solely on the oak frame pergola, which they claim is not visible above the garden wall. They have added 'climbing and structural planting' to 'soften the appearance' and reduce its visual impact. Their design statement asserts, 'The proposal has been carefully designed to ensure that it remains clearly subordinate to the main house and does not result in harm to its significance or setting.'
Wider Development Sparks Neighbourhood Backlash
This is not the only planning issue troubling the village. The couple have also built a large outdoor 12-metre pool in 2024, alongside the contentious pergola and gazebo, as well as stables for 14 horses for their horse racing company, OMBI, and an indoor pool. They are currently awaiting a decision on permission to build a horse walker at their stables.
Neighbours have voiced strong objections to the scale of development. One submitted, 'This has already been built, along with a sauna block higher than the wall which in a conservation area is unacceptable.' Another questioned, 'Where are you inspectors, or do the rules not apply here?' A resident lamented, 'The industrial-sized regular goings on at [the house] do not represent what a conservation area is supposed to be. The local village is not better for it in many ways and there are many disgruntled residents still.'
Horner's Personal Context and Neighbourhood Impact
Mr Horner, who was sacked by Red Bull in July last year following allegations of inappropriate behaviour—though cleared by investigations—has described renovating his home as his 'hobby' and 'the way I put racing out of my mind'. However, this pastime has caused significant friction, with neighbours branding it as 'ruining' the tranquillity of the quiet village.
Currently on gardening leave after an £80 million deal to leave Red Bull, Horner is barred from the F1 paddock until April. Meanwhile, the couple's representatives have been approached for comment on the ongoing planning disputes and neighbour accusations.
