Lewis Capaldi has been instructed by East Renfrewshire council to lower a portion of the 6ft timber fence surrounding his £1.6million country estate near Glasgow, following complaints by his neighbours.
The 29-year-old singer erected the structure around his rural property to enhance both privacy and security, but subsequently sought retrospective planning permission for the installation.
The Times reported that his neighbour Adam Dunwoodie lodged a formal complaint with the local authority, claiming the fence “dominated” his home and adversely affected his quality of life.
Following the dispute, revised plans now require Mr Capaldi to reduce the fence height by nearly a foot along the section that borders Mr Dunwoodie’s property.
Lewis Capaldi’s neighbour lodged a formal complaint
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The council also approved the musician’s separate application to construct a sunroom extension at the residence.
Mr Dunwoodie stated that he had not raised objections to any of Capaldi’s other planning applications but felt compelled to challenge the fence installation.
In his written protest to the council, he explained that just a single room in his house remained unaffected by the imposing barrier’s height and positioning.
“Our own concerns and objections have been mirrored by every visitor to our property,” Mr Dunwoodie wrote.
“The fence, as it is currently located/constructed, has a significant adverse impact on our daily lives as well as our own property.”
Following the dispute, revised plans now require Lewis Capaldi to reduce the fence height by nearly a foot
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He expressed hope that planning approval would be refused and that modifications to both the location and height would be carried out promptly.
While acknowledging Mr Capaldi’s legitimate need for security and privacy, Mr Dunwoodie maintained he was approaching the matter constructively but remained firmly opposed to several aspects of the existing construction.
In its planning letter, East Renfrewshire council explained that the 1.8m timber fence is largely concealed from the public road by an establishing hedgerow that will eventually provide adequate visual screening.
The authority noted that hedging already obscures the fence along the southern and eastern boundaries of the property.
Lewis Capaldi owns a £1.6m mansion near Glasgow
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However, the northern section presented a different challenge, as the site sits elevated above the road with the fence positioned behind a stone wall.
“At this point, the hedging has yet to become established and the fence remains a prominent feature when viewed from the neighbouring opposite,” the council stated.
Officials determined it was appropriate to reduce the fence to 1.6m in this location to diminish its visual impact while the planting reaches maturity.
Along with the sunroom installation, earlier this year, Mr Capaldi received the go-ahead to construct a recording studio within the grounds, positioned with views over a pond on the property.
The previous year saw him secure permission for a triple garage designed to accommodate his collection of vehicles.
Mr Capaldi has steadily developed the estate since moving there, transforming it into both a private retreat and a functional workspace for his music career.
The council granted Mr Capaldi permission to proceed with his planned sunroom extension
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The sunroom will provide an additional living space at the residence, complementing the various other structures already approved or completed on the grounds.
Mr Capaldi, who lives with Tourette’s syndrome, was compelled to step away from performing after struggling to complete his set at Glastonbury in 2023.
He made a triumphant return to the Pyramid Stage this past June as a surprise act, marking a significant comeback for the Scottish artist.
The singer released his four-track EP Survive in November, his first new material since the 2023 album Broken By Desire to Be Heavenly Sent.
Despite the successful year, the singer recently admitted to being in a creative rut, revealing he has not written any songs since March.
“In January, well next month, I’ve got some studio time booked in and that’ll be the first time I’ll have got back to making stuff,” he told Australian radio show Carrie and Tommy.