ERIC Clapton is locked in a bitter privacy row with his neighbours over a £2.3million home, with the guitarist claiming is "sanctuary" is under threat.
The 80-year-old legend, known to his fans as Slowhand, has filed an objection against plans to demolish the property and rebuild it, in a proposal filed by neighbours last year.
The owners of the home in Surrey Hills want to extensively renovate it with a large open-plan kitchen, dining and living area, boot room, snug, his-and-hers study, and a master bedroom along with a dressing room.
Plans also include a terrace and basement with three more en suite bedrooms.
Clapton has now written to the local council saying the plans constitute "a significant and unacceptable invasion" of his privacy.
He also claims the design for the "elevated terrace" would mean his swimming pool would be overlooked.
Clapton said in his letter: "As a public figure, my privacy is both a personal and professional necessity.
"The property is frequently used for private meetings and media-related work that requires discretion and seclusion.
"The proposed design, particularly the elevated terrace and extensive glazing, jeopardises this essential privacy."
The one-time Cream and Yardbirds guitarist also highlighted the risk of noise coming from his neighbours from the proposed terrace.
He added: "Hurtwood Edge has been my sanctuary for over 50 years – a place of retreat, peace, and privacy…
"The Estate's tranquil, rural character is highly sensitive to changes, and the proposed development poses a significant threat to these cherished qualities."
He continued: "Given the sloping nature of the site, the proposed elevated terrace and extensive glazed façades will create clear, downward-facing views into the private amenity areas of Hurtwood Edge.
"This constitutes a significant and unacceptable invasion of my privacy."
The Tears in Heaven hitmaker has lived at Hurtwood Edge for more than 50 years, the Telegraph reports.
The Italian-style villa, which has its own terrace was constructed in the village of Ewhurst, Surrey, in 1910.
It's where the blues guitarist penned some of his most popular songs, including Layla, written about his former wife, model Patti Boyd.
Clapton also highlighted the importance of the local environment in his letter, saying: "I have always, over the years, enjoyed an affinity with my neighbours who have appreciated the truly special, vibrant natural nature of our environment, preservation of its ecology and our privacy, and I would hate for this to be lost."
The plans by his neighbours have been defended by a representative in the planning documents.
They said: "The rationale behind the proposed replacement residential development is to provide the applicants with a high-quality of design with maximum energy efficiency home that will allow for them to be seen through their retirement years, involving low running and maintenance costs and the ability for in-house care and support.
"The proposed replacement dwelling house and garage would not result in a material increase and the respective built form would actually improve the character and views of the Green Belt."
Despite the objections raised by Clapton, planning officers from the council have approved the plans.
The Sun Online has contacted representatives of the star for comment.
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