Ricky Gervais has secured approval to build a tennis court for lessons at his £14.75 million mansion, despite strong opposition from local residents.
The comedian plans to renovate the back garden of his new Hampstead property, situated in a conservation area, but has been required to adhere to strict environmental conditions.
As part of the eco-plan, the 63-year-old must install two bat roost boxes, a bird nest box, a ‘sparrow nest terrace,’ an ‘insect hotel,’ and a ‘hedgehog home’ to mitigate the impact of the development on local wildlife.
The requirement for Ricky Gervais to implement these environmental measures stems from the need to remove nine historic trees and eliminate three-quarters of the existing lawn, along with a waterfall, pergola, and retaining walls.
His plans include constructing a permeable tennis court and compensating for the loss of vegetation by planting 13 new trees and introducing plants that are biodiversity- and pollinator-friendly, as part of efforts to mitigate the environmental impact of the project.
The plans for Ricky Gervais’ tennis court include a “wildlife-friendly” garden, designed to change with the seasons and provide blossom, nectar, and fruit, according to a planning document. A tree report indicates that most of the work will be done using hand-held tools to minimize disruption.
Ricky and his wife, Jane Fallon, 63, received approval from the Council, which noted that the court would primarily be used for occasional one-on-one tennis coaching. Despite this, several residents have voiced strong objections, citing concerns about noise from tennis games and spectators, the time it will take for newly planted trees to mature, and potential flood risks.
One resident, Howard Gross, expressed frustration, stating, “It is unfair and unrealistic noise-wise. It’s not just the sound of the ball being hit or bounced; if a ball machine is used, it will be even louder. Players will also make noise when talking or shouting, and doubles games could involve more people. Spectators may also watch, shout, and cheer.”
Gross also highlighted concerns about safety, mentioning that the court’s proximity to neighboring gardens, without fencing, could result in stray balls landing on adjacent properties. Additionally, he noted the seating arrangements near the boundary, questioning the number of spectators that might be accommodated.
“We will not have peaceful enjoyment of our garden and house while the court is in use,” stated Mr. Gross, who also expressed concerns that the tennis court could be repurposed as a football pitch. He added, “If the net is removed, the permeable surface could easily be utilized for five-a-side football or other sports.”
Despite Ricky consulting the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust regarding his plans—who subsequently approved the proposal—Mr. Gross accused the trust of misrepresenting the situation. “The planning application refers to the Hampstead Garden Suburb Trust, which claims to have consulted the neighbors. This is factually incorrect; they did not consult us, or at least, we are unaware of any such consultation,” he stated.
He further commented, “Conducting heavy, noisy drilling throughout the day, even during lunch breaks, contradicts the notion of ‘soft landscaping.’ Removing healthy, mature trees for personal convenience disregards government policies aimed at environmental protection.”
Steve Martin echoed these objections, lamenting the loss of many mature, beautiful trees, some exceeding 20 meters in height, that have adorned the garden for years. “While a replacement planting plan has been submitted, it will take 20 to 30 years for the new trees to reach the maturity of the existing ones. These significant trees, which provide public amenity value, contribute to the character and appearance of the conservation area.”
Planning manager Lesley Feldman dismissed concerns regarding the tennis court in her report. She stated, “This will not self-evidently be a commercial tennis court, and the intention of the applicant is simply to provide a facility for one-on-one tennis coaching.”
The report further noted, “As a purely domestic activity, it is not anticipated that there would be any significant noise issues arising from its implementation. Other matters raised by objectors, such as stray tennis balls and the presence of ‘spectators,’ are civil matters and should not be regarded as planning issues.”
