McCartney in log cabin spat

The former Beatle was refused retrospective permission to keep the secluded log cabin and gym in the grounds of Woodlands Farm in Sussex, southern England.

The legendary musician, 64, failed to get planning permission for the two-bedroom, one-and-a-half-storey timber lodge and Rother District Council has warned that the building will have to be pulled down if the matter is not resolved swiftly.

McCartney's representatives said he needed the log cabin to maintain his privacy.

Frank Rallings, the council's head of planning, said he expected revised applications to be submitted outlining McCartney's justification for the lodge, but nothing had been received so far.

"After four years, a building which has been constructed without planning permission becomes immune from enforcement action, so the clock is ticking for us," he said.

"We cannot let this go on forever, but we may have to resolve it through enforcement and appeal."

A statement on McCartney's behalf in one of the failed planning applications read: "The owner has a requirement for privacy, seclusion and security that the buildings at Woodlands Farm cannot provide.

"This is due to the proximity of the public footpath that passes by the farmhouse and through the farmyard and also the activities connected with the working farm and machinery movements creating noise disturbance and safety issues.

"The intention is not to increase the amount of residential property."

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