Thursday, 29 October 2009

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Cheryl Cole's appeal for underground pool dismissed

Planners say extension is not essential

Cheryl and Ashley Cole said the pool was to be used for health and fitness more than leisure

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Cheryl Cole and her husband Ashley have lost an appeal to build an underground swimming pool at their £3.5million Surrey mansion.

The government's Planning Inspectorate says the construction - which would have included a gym and spa - is not essential.

Guildford Borough Council originally refused to grant permission for the extension in June on the grounds that it was ‘disproportionate' to the size of the house.

In their appeal, X Factor judge Cheryl, 26, and Ashley, 28, said the underground pool was the only way they could avoid paparazzi intrusion.

But planning inspector Philippa Jarvis was not convinced by their arguments.

‘I am not satisfied on the basis of the information before me that these facilities are essential or that other alternatives have been fully considered,' she says.

Guildford Borough Council are happy with the outcome.

‘We are pleased that our original decision, which was based on policies to protect the green belt, was upheld,' says a spokeswoman.

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