F1: Hamilton finally wins something in 2022
Lewis Hamilton finally won something in 2022.
Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton has won a battle to chop down a “beautiful” tree at his £18m London mansion, despite neighbors’ objections.
Residents told Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) Council that Hamilton would be “destroying nature” if he cut down a sugarplum tree outside his home.
A report by Hamilton’s tree surgeon said it was mostly dead and dying.
The council granted permission to chop down the tree and trim back a magnolia.
Plans to demolish and replace an old summer house in Hamilton’s back garden also angered local residents in 2020.
One neighbor at the time, who had lived in the area for 20 years, said Hamilton had bought the property in 2017 and had “never set foot in it”
Hamilton has allegedly yet to set foot in the property he bought five years ago while he carries out a grand overhaul.
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.
‘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.’