James Corden has found himself embroiled in a neighbourhood dispute after complaints surfaced about drum noise emanating from his £11.5 million mansion in north-west London.
The 46-year-old actor and television host, best known for Gavin and Stacey and his time on The Late Late Show, moved into the luxurious property last Christmas with his wife Julia and their three children – Max, 13, Carey, 10, and Charlotte, 7.
Neighbour complaints over ‘garden den’
The controversy has intensified as Corden seeks planning permission to construct a large outhouse at the bottom of his garden, designed to house a gym, sauna, pool, kitchen, den, and a covered terrace area.
However, local residents are furious, with more than 18 objections lodged against the proposed structure.
One exasperated neighbour told The Mail:
“One of them plays the drums, which can often be heard on my terrace and occasionally inside my flat, even with the windows closed. What happens if they decide to move the drum kit out of the house and put it in the den?”
Residents fear the new ‘garden room’, described as being the size of a roomy one-bedroom flat, will not be adequately soundproofed, leading to even more noise pollution in the area.
Concerns over ‘intrusive’ construction
Beyond the noise complaints, residents are also outraged at the size and impact of the proposed extension.
One local resident stated:
“This new structure threatens not just to intrude on this peaceful green space but to constitute an eyesore.”
Another neighbour added:
“It is highly intrusive, standing one metre from neighbours’ boundaries.”
A third commented:
“Remove the word ‘gym’ from the plan and replace it with ‘bedroom’ and you’d have a nice little bungalow.”
Critics have branded the plans as ‘totally unreasonable’, arguing that the new large-scale structure will ruin garden views for nearby properties and diminish the overall aesthetic of the neighbourhood.
Environmental concerns raised
In response to Corden’s planning application, a group of neighbours have commissioned a specialist report on the impact on local trees.
Corden’s representatives have claimed that no trees will be affected, but independent experts disagree.
The commissioned report states:
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“If this building is built, it is very likely that ‘retained’ trees will suffer and/or be removed.”
This has added fuel to the fire, with residents now arguing that the proposed development could have a negative environmental impact on the area.
Corden’s history of planning disputes
This is not the first time James Corden has clashed with neighbours over planning permission disputes.
While living in Belsize Park, Corden previously objected to a neighbour’s proposed extension – only to be overruled by the council.
Additionally, his request to demolish a 1960s house in Oxfordshire and build a new country home was approved after a year-long battle.
Public reaction and next steps
As tensions continue to rise, Corden’s representatives have yet to comment on the ongoing backlash.
With local residents determined to fight the planning application, the fate of Corden’s ‘garden den’ remains uncertain.
For now, his north-west London neighbours will have to endure the drum noise, while the battle over the new development rumbles on.
