Queen star Roger Taylor’s neighbours hit out at plans for £8m Surrey estate – after row over 20ft Freddie Mercury statue
QUEEN drummer Roger Taylor has sparked a row with neighbours over plans for a huge hay barn at his historic £8million Surrey estate.
The musician, 75, previously landed in hot water with council officials after putting up a 20ft-high statue of Freddie Mercury in his garden.
Now he wants to build a 70x60ft store for hay bales and a tractor at his stately pile which boasts nine bedrooms, six reception rooms, a staff flat, tennis court and eight-car garage.
The 18th Century pad also has a new outdoor pool house with a party terrace, bar, jacuzzi, relaxation, dining and entertaining area.
But locals aren’t happy with his latest plans for a bigger farm building on his sprawling 48-acre estate.
They say it is almost DOUBLE the height of an existing barn and would be “visually intrusive” to the designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
In a letter of objection, a neighbour wrote: “This would mean we are effectively overlooking a large, industrial-style metal structure that is not in keeping with the rural and scenic character of the area.
“Such a structure would not only diminish the visual amenity of the area but also set a precedent for further disruptive development.
“The existing agricultural activity on this site already generates a constant hum of machinery, which is noticeable from our property.
“The addition of a larger structure is likely to increase the frequency of vehicular and machinery movements, exacerbating noise pollution.”
The proposed L-shaped barn would also house a chemical store, hay trailer, ring roller, harrows, grass drill and round baler.
Taylor has formally applied to his local council for a new agricultural storage building and a decision is expected in the New Year.
In 2015, he put up a 6m-high statue of Freddie Mercury in the grounds of his Grade II listed home without planning permission but was later granted retrospective consent.
The iconic statue of the Queen lead singer was used to promote the band’s musical We Will Rock You and stood outside London‘s Dominican Theatre for 12 years until the musical ended in 2014.
In an interview, Taylor said: “It was in a warehouse, costing money, so I said ‘why don’t they just put it on a lorry and bring it here, and we’ll put it in the garden?’.
“I also thought it would be very funny to have the statue there and I think Freddie would have found it hilarious.”
Taylor also has a holiday home in Cornwall, which boasts a helipad, tennis court and stunning views across the Helford River.
Inside Roger Taylor's property portfolio
Surrey mansion
This grand 48-acre estate is set in the serene Surrey countryside and boasts extensive grounds, offering a high degree of privacy and tranquillity. The mansion is a quintessential example of English country living, complete with traditional architectural elements, expansive gardens, and modern amenities. It has nine bedrooms, state-of-the-art facilities, and beautifully landscaped gardens that play home to Roger’s huge Freddie Mercury statue.
Cornwall retreat
This property provides a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its scenic beauty and coastal charm offers a peaceful environment, ideal for relaxation. The home has picturesque views of a nearby river, lush gardens, and a cosy, rustic interior that complements the natural surroundings. Its grounds contain three outbuildings, a tennis court and helipad, and the house is estimated to be worth up to £2million.
LA villa
For four decades Roger owned a pretty Spanish villa in Tinseltown. But earlier this year, he put the home up for sale for $6.2m – nearly a full $6m more than he paid for it. The rustic, charming property was built in 1933 and has terracotta tiles on the roof, a stone fireplace and is shielded by luscious foliage.
Milhanger mansion
Roger had another stunning Surrey mansion, which he offloaded in 2003. The historic 17,750 sq ft property had every luxury under the sun from a spa, to a games room and library. A Grade II listed annexe that was once a watermill provided extra accommodation and the 70acre estate provided plenty of space for a country stroll. As if that wasn’t enough a party barn also doubled as a recording studio for when Roger wanted to pound his kit.