Rosie Huntington Whiteley, A-list supermodel might be desperate to keep her private life secret from the paparazzi.
But it seems the 34-year-old isn’t afraid of showing off her new home – even if it does upset a neighbour or two.
For the Marks and Spencer lingerie model has won a planning dispute to chop down a 25-year-old tree in her front garden, despite neighbours’ arguments that it ‘assists privacy’.
For the Marks and Spencer lingerie model has won a planning dispute to chop down a 25-year-old tree (pictured) in her front garden, despite neighbours’ arguments that it ‘assists privacy’
Miss Huntington-Whiteley and her fiance, actor Jason Statham, submitted an application to fell the weeping cherry blossom in September despite claims that it was ‘perfectly healthy’.
Planning chiefs have now approved the application – although this week the tree remained outside their £7.5million mansion in Kensington and Chelsea, west London, where building work was under way.
Under the plans the celebrity couple will also be able to reduce the crown of an apple tree in their front garden – which is likely to increase light to the house but can cause irreversible damage to the tree.
Also, permission was granted to trim a southern magnolia or bay laurel tree, a camellia, and a redbud from their backyard.
One neighbour said: ‘My main objection is that it was not clear – there was no landscape plan as to what they do want to do. They’re chopping down a tree that’s not unhealthy.
‘The street is a hodge-podge of greenery. Everyone’s doing their own attempt at gardening but that’s the nature of the street. To just cut down a tree without having a plan is not friendly.
Miss Huntington-Whiteley (above) and her fiance, actor Jason Statham, submitted an application to fell the weeping cherry blossom in September despite claims that it was ‘perfectly healthy’
‘Why buy into a street that you want to change? I’m not a tree-hugger but I just object to the process.’
Another neighbour, in a written objection to the plans, said: ‘It is a pretty, symmetrical, slow growing tree that … provides a pleasing view and assists privacy between neighbours. I see no reason why a perfectly healthy tree should be removed to the detriment of our streetscape.’
After getting engaged in 2016, the couple purchased Grade II-listed property October 2016.
The plan does not give any reason why the tree should be chopped down or pruned.
They were both contacted to comment on the plans. Miss Huntington Whiteley and Miss Huntington Whiteley shared their ideas for an elegant bathroom with neutral-toned flooring.