EMILY PRESCOTT: Did Robbie Williams throw in the towel to end the row with neighbor Jimmy Page over the construction of an underground swimming pool?
It was one of the most bitter and long-running disputes in recent show business history – pitting legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page against his neighbor, former Take That singer Robbie Williams, in a battle for a basement.
But now it looks like Williams has finally thrown in the towel. Friends say “it’s gotten to the point where it just has to end.”
One of them said to me: “The works have stopped, the town hall has said that we have to. Everything is now pretty much back to the beginning in terms of apps and now you just can’t see it starting again.
And Robbie’s lawyers wrote to council saying: ‘Building work has currently ceased and will not be resumed at this time.
Williams has knocked down tools at his 46-room mansion in Holland Park, west London, eight years after he began applying for permission to build an underground swimming pool and spa.
It has been one of the most bitter and long-running disputes in recent show business history – pitting legendary Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page against his neighbor, former Take That singer Robbie Williams (pictured) , in a battle for a basement.
But now it looks like Williams has finally thrown in the towel in her battle with Jimmy Page (pictured)
BASEMENT BATTLE: The mansion where Robbie planned to build a swimming pool
Work was halted after the planning application reopened following a legal instruction that Williams must apply for his property deeds to be amended in order for construction work to proceed.
Last September, builders finally began work on the £17million house he bought from the late Sir Michael Winner, despite being told they would have to dig with hand tools to avoid any damage to the neighboring Page mansion, listed in 1875, named The Tower House.
Now the Angels singer’s friend says: ‘Besides all the paperwork, you have to remember that Robbie’s builders are digging with hand tools to prevent vibration and subsequent damage to Jimmy’s house. It took so much energy from Robbie and life is short.
After Williams, 49, bought the mansion, he spent three years renovating it before moving in, then made repeated requests for the spa for three years.
He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife Ayda and their four children, having bought a mansion there for £38million last year.
