SOCCER star Steven Gerrard has been given permission to build a two-storey gymnasium at his Formby home despite objections by other residents.
Neighbours have criticised plans for the building and claim he wants to build something like an Asda supermarket in the middle of Merseyside's most exclusive leafy suburb.
They say they will appeal against the town hall decision to allow the Liverpool captain's bid to build a two-storey gymnasium in the back garden of his £1m executive mansion.
The England midfielder aims to construct a multi-purpose gym and garden pavilion to the rear of his property in the millionaire's row of Victoria Road, Freshfield.
His neighbours are livid that his application went through the planning committee despite objections.
Residents of other luxury homes fear the construction will become an eyesore and depress the value of their homes.
Cecil Crossley, who lives on the road behind the proposed development, said: "I cannot begin to understand why anyone would want to build an eyesore like this in their back garden. The gymnasium he wants to put up would be a most ugly carbuncle with a flat roof and quite out of keeping with the properties in this area.
"It is like building an Asda supermarket in the middle of a beauty spot but our objections have just been ignored.
"I wrote a letter to the planning officer but his totally inadequate reply did not even address the questions posed."
Another resident whose property will overlook the back of the gym says he would never have bought his property had he known of Gerrard's plan.
He added: "We only bought the house a year or so ago and I feel cheated.
"I would never have purchased the house knowing we would have to look out our front window at a huge bunker.
"I'm furious that the council wants to allow something so ugly to be built in what is a beautiful residential area.”
A 25-name petition protesting against the building was presented to Sefton Borough Council's planning committee.
David Dickinson, from DK Architects, denies that Gerrard's back garden gym will be a blot on the landscape.
Mr Dickinson, who designed the gymnasium sports pavilion, said: "It is actually an interesting design that will add a lot to the area.
"It's a nicely designed building and, though not traditional, plays into the nature versus design argument.
"It certainly won't devalue surrounding properties.
"The building will create interest and hopefully bring something new to the neighbourhood."
Gerrard was not available for comment.
Neighbours have criticised plans for the building and claim he wants to build something like an Asda supermarket in the middle of Merseyside's most exclusive leafy suburb.
They say they will appeal against the town hall decision to allow the Liverpool captain's bid to build a two-storey gymnasium in the back garden of his £1m executive mansion.
The England midfielder aims to construct a multi-purpose gym and garden pavilion to the rear of his property in the millionaire's row of Victoria Road, Freshfield.
His neighbours are livid that his application went through the planning committee despite objections.
Residents of other luxury homes fear the construction will become an eyesore and depress the value of their homes.
Cecil Crossley, who lives on the road behind the proposed development, said: "I cannot begin to understand why anyone would want to build an eyesore like this in their back garden. The gymnasium he wants to put up would be a most ugly carbuncle with a flat roof and quite out of keeping with the properties in this area.
"It is like building an Asda supermarket in the middle of a beauty spot but our objections have just been ignored.
"I wrote a letter to the planning officer but his totally inadequate reply did not even address the questions posed."
Another resident whose property will overlook the back of the gym says he would never have bought his property had he known of Gerrard's plan.
He added: "We only bought the house a year or so ago and I feel cheated.
"I would never have purchased the house knowing we would have to look out our front window at a huge bunker.
"I'm furious that the council wants to allow something so ugly to be built in what is a beautiful residential area.”
A 25-name petition protesting against the building was presented to Sefton Borough Council's planning committee.
David Dickinson, from DK Architects, denies that Gerrard's back garden gym will be a blot on the landscape.
Mr Dickinson, who designed the gymnasium sports pavilion, said: "It is actually an interesting design that will add a lot to the area.
"It's a nicely designed building and, though not traditional, plays into the nature versus design argument.
"It certainly won't devalue surrounding properties.
"The building will create interest and hopefully bring something new to the neighbourhood."
Gerrard was not available for comment.
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