Rory McIlroy involved in huge row with council as golf star makes plans for luxury £9m mansion
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Golf star Rory McIlroy has become embroiled in a planning dispute over his bid to install a heat pump at his £9million Surrey mansion, according to reports.
The Northern Irish golfer is seeking permission to heat a new outdoor swimming pool at his luxury property on the exclusive Wentworth estate.
The controversy centres on McIlroy's plans to add another air source heat pump to the five already installed at his home, which lies within a designated green belt area.
Council policy requires developers to demonstrate "very special circumstances" for renewable energy projects in green belt locations to proceed.
Rory McIlroy has become embroiled in a planning dispute over his bid to install a heat pump at his £9million Surrey mansion
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The 35-year-old's proposals include a 50x16ft heated outdoor pool with terrace and external lighting, according to The Sun.
McIlroy's luxury mansion already features an impressive 44ft-long party and entertainment room, cinema, gym, indoor pool and spa.
The property includes a grand entrance hall and six reception rooms, alongside a double aspect drawing room and family room.
A breakfast room, snug, study and office complete the interior amenities of the golfer's home.
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The proposed new heat pump would be housed in a 6ft-high timber enclosure near the southern boundary of the property.
The location was chosen to ensure the pump "will not be visible from the road," according to planning documents.
In a justification statement, McIlroy's planning agent addressed the green belt concerns directly.
The agent emphasised that permission was required due to existing heat pumps already located at the northern boundary of the property.
"The wider environmental benefits associated with increased production of energy from renewable sources using the air source heat pump, constitutes a very special circumstance," the agent stated.
This justification aims to satisfy council requirements for development in protected green belt areas.
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The agent also highlighted the substantial landscaping on the site as a mitigating factor for the development's visual impact.
McIlroy and his wife Erica Stoll had previously secured approval for an outdoor pool with a basement plant room, along with a play centre for their four-year-old daughter Poppy.
A decision on the new heat pump application is expected this month, with no objections raised so far by neighbours or environmental health officers regarding noise concerns.
Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll own a mansion in Surrey
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The golfer's representatives declined to comment when contacted, it's claimed.
The exclusive Wentworth neighbourhood is home to several other celebrities, including former Chelsea striker Andriy Shevchenko, ex-cricketer Kevin Pietersen and fitness expert Joe Wicks.
McIlroy also owns properties in Florida, California and County Down, including a 200-acre 19th Century estate.
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