Smoothie tycoon’s £5m pool plan upsets neighbours

THE tycoon behind Innocent smoothies has upset neighbours with plans for a £5million basement to be built under his Kensington home – complete with a pool, lounge and gym.

Multi-millionaire Richard Reed, 45, is hoping to dig beneath his converted Victorian community hall and has submitted plans to Kensington and Chelsea council.

But a neighbour told the Evening Standard that the work would “create a hell of a lot of noise” and will “drive us crazy”.

A previous proposal was rejected, while 14 residents have written objections to the latest plan.

However, planning officers have recommended it get the green light and the planning applications committee is due to make a decision next week.

Mr Reed, who sold the smoothie brand for a reported £300million to Coca-cola, said: “Happily, with our growing number of children, the scheme is to extend our family home. The application fits well within K&C planning requirements and we can assure our neighbours no trees will be hurt or water tables affected, and any disturbances kept to an absolute minimum.”