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    Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe locked in neighbour row over BEEHIVES and tennis court at his £6million mansion

    MANCHESTER United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has won an 18 month planning battle after a neighbour row over beehives and a tennis court.The 71-year-old billionaire had faced accusations he was turning his seven acre waterside property in Hampshire’s New Forest into an “industrial site”.Sir Jim Ratcliffe was involved in an 18-month planning battleCredit: AFPHe applied for retrospective planning permission for his property in Hampshire’s New ForestCredit: SolentSir Jim recently became co-owner at Prem giants Manchester UnitedSir Jim, 71, who owns chemical giant Ineos and recently bought 25 per cent of shares in Manchester United, built two huge barns, a tennis court and a pergola without consent.The British businessman, who recently ran the London Marathon, applied for retrospective permission from the planning authority in 2022.And the Red Devils supremo has now been granted planning permission for developments at his £6million holiday home which included a honey-making factory.Ranked as Britain’s second wealthiest man with an estimated worth of £29 billion, the petrochemicals magnate has now successfully argued his case after a protracted process.Read More in FootballIt means he won’t be forced to abandon his beekeeping facility at the estate near Beaulieu.Sir Jim’s passion for apiary is spelt out in planning documents submitted by his agent.”The applicant places very great value on home produced garden produce and as part of this he has commenced beekeeping at the site and has established a number of beehives in order to supply himself and his family with honey,” it says.”Whilst beehives are distributed within the surrounding grounds the beekeeping activities also necessitate the provision of an indoor storage area for processing of honey and the storage of beekeeping equipment.Most read in Football”The applicant respectfully suggests that the outbuildings will not result in any adverse harm to the ability of future generations to meet their own needs and that the development should therefore be accepted as sustainable development.”According to the document, one of the two unauthorised sheds houses the “bee factory”, tractor, soil roller compactor, forklift, wood chipper, Turf Gator, lawn mower, hedge-cutters and leaf blowers.The other is used for storing a cherry picker, trailer, tractor flail, fertiliser spreader, three chainsaws and a leaf sucker.”It is acknowledged that the additional proposed storage buildings are larger and provide more storage accommodation than a standard domestic shed within a standard domestic property,” the agent said.”Effectively, this is a 7- acre garden and the sheer size of the garden means that there is an inevitable requirement for significant amounts of garden equipment and a consequent and significant need for substantial amounts of storage accommodation to house this equipment and the materials used by garden staff.Sir Jim Ratcliffe says Man Utd’s ‘Wembley of the North’ could be 100,000-seat mega-stadium if they leave Old TraffordThe report said the application ‘seeks consent to regularise’ works that had already taken place at the site, including: a tennis court, pergola, works to walled garden, associated landscaping and external lighting.Objecting to the plans in November 2022, Mr J Harrow of nearby Lymington made a dig at Brexiteer Sir Jim’s 2020 relocation to Monaco, a move that was said to have saved him an estimated £4 billion in tax.Mr Harrow said: “Yet more development from an industrialist who seems intent on turning this stretch of the Hampshire coast into an industrial site.”And, as we have come to expect from billionaire elites, the belief that he can do what he wants with impunity as he can afford to pay more lawyers and fight local authorities.”Despite the objection, the plan were approved last week by the NFNPA subject to a number of conditions.Of the external work, a planning officer for New Forest National Park Authority stated: “Whilst these works perhaps appear somewhat incongruous in a New Forest setting, they are confined to a small part of the overall site, in a location where they are not visible in the wider landscape and are not uncommon features in some of the other larger properties in the vicinity.”The paths along the shore frontage are grassed over and although there is a helicopter landing area, this is de-marked by a spiral of small rocks set into the ground, ensuring that the extent of hard surfacing that would be visible from the Solent, which is the most public viewpoint available of the site, would be minimal.”Despite the two outbuilding sheds being “substantial” in size, they were also granted permission because they “occupy a relatively minor area” of the site.”The outbuildings therefore have little impact on the character and appearance of the surrounding area,” the officer continued.”In terms of impact on neighbours, as set out above, the majority of the works are well contained within the site and have little impact on the surrounding area.”Whilst ‘concerns’ about ecology were raised, the proposed levels of lighting had been amended to alleviate them.The report continued: “There are a number of other measures that have been installed, including bat tubes and boxes, sparrow and swift boxes integrated into the buildings, bee bricks and hives and insect blocks.”These enhancement features and the amendments that have been made ensure that the impact of the works are appropriately mitigated and biodiversity enhanced in accordance with the local plan.”In conclusion, despite the works resulting in ‘considerable alteration to the character of the site, it added: “The works are, however, contained within the site and do not adversely affect the character and appearance of the wider surrounding area, neighbour amenity or ecology.”This latest application is the most recent of a catalogue of bids to make changes to his luxury pad, after he won a six year battle to build a luxury summer building on stilts in 2020.’BRITAIN’S RICHEST MAN’Sir Jim, who grew up in a Manchester council house, bought BP’s chemicals division in 1992, renaming it Inspec and later Ineos.The entrepreneur increased his wealth by more than £15billion in 2017, catapulting him to the top of the Sunday times Rich List. He was knighted in 2018.Ineos sells 60m tons of petrochemicals a year, used in industries from food packaging to car manufacture, with 17,000 employees in 16 countries.In 2019, he rode to the rescue of British cycling, buying Team Sky and promising £40m a year investment in the team which then won the Tour de France with Colombian rider Egan Bernal.READ MORE SUN STORIESSir Jim, a keen triathlete and sailor, bought Swiss football team Lausanne in 2017 and invested £110million in a British challenge for the America’s Cup with Sir Ben Ainslie in 2018.Last December it was announced he had bought 25 per cent of shares of Prem giants Man United, from the Glazer family, which was completed in February.Sir Jim Ratcliffe finishes the 2024 London MarathonCredit: Getty More

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    ‘I didn’t know he played football’ says Kobbie Mainoo’s neighbour as pals reveal all about Nando’s-loving humble teen

    AN ENGLAND star’s neighbour didn’t even know he played football, The Sun can reveal.Manchester United’s Kobbie Mainoo, 18, made an eye-catching midfield performance against Belgium at Wembley last night.Kobbie Mainoo made an eye-catching midfield performance against Belgium at Wembley last nightCredit: AlamyBut the Manchester United star’s neighbour didn’t even know he played footballCredit: GettyBut despite his £20,000-a-week job, Kobbie still lives with his dad Felix in a modest £370,000 semi — in a street where some neighbours have no idea who he is.The family moved into the rented three-bedroom home around four or five years ago and Kobbie keeps himself to himself, with one neighbour saying: “I’ve got no idea who he is.”Others talk proudly about having an England star in their midst, with another saying of the young star: “I remember him going to and coming home from school in his uniform.”He was always a very smiley young boy. I say hello to Felix when I see him. They’re a nice family.”Read more Sports NewsA third neighbour, who is a friend of the family, added: “I’ve known Kobbie and his dad for years.”Kobbie is a really nice boy from a really nice family – and he’s a really good ­footballer. He’s going to be a star.”And those who know Kobbie say he is a down-to-earth lad who “takes everything in his stride”.His first coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him as a four-year-old at Cheadle And Gatley FC, told The Sun: “He came from a lovely family — I used to have regular chats with his dad.Most read in Football”I do know Kobbie is still in ­contact with his old school friends — he hasn’t lost sight of the fact he is very grounded.”That is probably down to him coming from a loving, very stable family.”Gareth Southgate presents Kobbie Mainoo, Anthony Gordon and Ezri Konsa with England caps after their debuts v BrazilHe is also powered by grub from Nando’s — one of his favourite treats.He was recently spotted collecting a bag of food from his local branch in Altrincham, where he fist-bumped a member of staff who is a huge ­United fan.One onlooker said: “Kobbie came in on his own with his hood up, but he got recognised straight away.”He was a lovely lad and fist-bumped a ­member of staff. He seemed really nice and down to earth.”Mainoo was handed his senior Red Devils debut in a cup tie against Charlton in January 2023.Since recovering from an ankle injury, he has become a regular this season.It comes as Jude Bellingham heaped praise on starlet Kobbie.The wonderkid scooped the player of the match award for his composed performance in the 2-2 draw with Belgium.After the match, during which he scored a last-gasp leveller, Bellingham was full of kind words for his new Three Lions team-mate.The Real Madrid star said: “Kobbie Mainoo is very good.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I know how hard it can be when there’s a clamour and people put a lot of pressure on you… but he’s definitely a brilliant player.”He’s going to have an amazing future at Man United and hopefully for England as well.”Kobbie playing for his school in Year 6Credit: facebook/Cheadle & Gatley JFCHis first ever coach, Steve Vare, who mentored him when the star was just four years oldCredit: SuppliedIncredible rise of Kobbie MainooBY Amir Razavi
    The ace — full name Kobbie ­Boateng Mainoo — was born on April 19, 2005 in Stockport, Gtr Manchester, and raised in the sleepy suburb of Cheadle Hulme.
    Aged four, he began playing for local side Cheadle And Gatley under Steve Vare — who quickly spotted his incredible talent.
    Kobbie left Cheadle And Gatley for Failsworth Dynamos before being asked to train with United and local rivals Man City.
    He later opted for his beloved boyhood side United, joining the club aged seven — and was regarded as one of their best talents throughout his time in the academy.
    Kobbie studied at Cheadle Catholic Infant School and St James’ Catholic High before moving on to Ashton-on-Mersey School under United’s scholarship programme.
    One source said: “Kobbie was a very bright, very well-rounded young man and he finished with good grades.”
    During his time playing for the Red Devils, Kobbie has won the FA Youth Cup and the club’s Jimmy Murphy Young Player Of The Year award for the 2022/23 season.
    He signed his first professional contract on his 17th birthday – the earliest date a player can do so — and made his first team debut in the League Cup against Charlton Athletic last January. More

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    Ex-Premier League star in row with neighbours over ‘overbearing’ £1.2m home that’s been construction site for four years

    AN EX-PREMIER League football star is in a row with neighbours over a new security wall.Canadian footballer Junior Hoilett is building a new home in the small village of Englefield Green in Surrey.
    Junior Hoilett playing for Reading in an FA Cup match against Manchester United in 2023Credit: Getty
    Englefield Green is a picturesque Surrey village where the footballer has made his homeCredit: Kevin Dunnett
    Hoilett is in a planning dispute with neighbours over his new security wall at his homeCredit: Kevin Dunnett
    Hoilett is a left winger who made 61 caps for Reading as well as 173 for Cardiff CityCredit: Reuters
    Hoilett, who last played for Vancouver Whitecaps, demolished the original £1.2million house and has been building a five-bedroom pad which boasts a gym, games room, playroom, and nursery.
    As part of the new build, the ex-Blackburn, Reading and QPR winger wants a wall and security gate to boost security at his home.
    But in a letter of objection, one neighbour wrote: “It hardly falls into the requirements of the village plan for soft, i.e, green frontages to property within the village.”
    “I would hope that some guidance could be given to the applicants in this respect an I object to the current proposal.”
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    The dispute follows the burglaries of the homes of high-profile football stars, including Jack Grealish, Kurt Zouma, and Raheem Sterling.
    There has also been a recent string of burglaries in the Englefield Green area, neighbours say.
    Amanda Willis, the chair of the Englefield Green Village Residents Association, said the group wanted to see more greenery in the village in general.
    Willis said the group didn’t particularly like the wall and would have preferred something more “open” which would show the house off.
    Most read in Football
    But, the group had seen the plans and said the wall didn’t breach the neighbour plan and there was nothing they could do about it.
    One neighbour, who didn’t want to be named, said there had been a wall there beforehand.
    Is this the moment Jack Grealish is told of his family’s terror at £1m jewellery break-in raid at his mansion?
    “You don’t have to have greenery, you could have a picket fence, it just has to be within those parameters [of the village plan].”
    But, she said Hoilett’s new home was “out of keeping” with the area, in which most homes had a similar style.
    “It is what it is”.
    Another neighbour who didn’t want to be named said she didn’t like the new home either.
    “I would prefer to see what was there before. A nice detached house.
    “I have nothing against modern design, but something that is appropriate for the plot.”
    The new home features a basement with neighbours saying they could hear the piles being driven into the ground.
    The area is full of high hedges and walls which neighbours said muffled a lot of the construction noise over the past few years.
    Hoilett was granted permission to demolish and build the new home in 2019 and received further building permissions in 2020.
    In planning consultations, neighbours were worried that the three-story home would become “overbearing” to their homes.
    But, close neighbours said Hoilett had communicated well with them and informed them over his plans.
    They said the construction had been delayed because of Covid and Hoilett having to find a new contractor.
    Hoilett joined Blackburn in 2003 and came through their academy with former Man Utd star Phil Jones.
    He also played for QPR, Cardiff and Reading but quit The Royals last summer to join MLS side Vancouver Whitecaps in his homeland.
    Land Registry records show that he bought his Surrey pad for £1.2million in May, 2019.
    But it is now believed to be worth at least £3million after he knocked it down to make way for a two-storey new build, flanked by two single-storey wings.
    Officials at Runnymede Council are expected to make a decision on the plans next month.
    READ MORE SUN STORIES
    Hoilett made 81 appearances for the Blackburn Rovers, 112 for QPR, and 173 for Cardiff.
    Junior Hoilett did not want to comment.
    Hoilett, a Canadian, has played for his national side 62 timesCredit: Getty
    Hoilett paid for £1.2million in 2019 and received permission to demolish the house in the same yearCredit: Kevin Dunnett More