Princess Kate’s former boss has defeated his neighbours in a bitter legal row.
Fashion tycoon John Robinson has emerged victorious from a three-year legal battle to continue hosting weddings at his £12 million Cotswolds estate.
The 77-year-old founder of fashion chain Jigsaw secured planning permission following a nine-day public inquiry.
Robinson, who famously employed Princess Kate at Jigsaw before her marriage to Prince William, faced significant opposition from local residents.
Princess Kate’s former boss defeats neighbours in bitter legal row.
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Neighbours had raised concerns about noise pollution from music and firework displays lasting into the early hours, as well as traffic congestion on surrounding roads.
The multi-millionaire was served with four months' notice in 2022 to cease hosting events at Euridge Manor.
However, after submitting two planning applications and an appeal, Robinson has now been granted permission to continue operating the venue. "Euridge Manor Weddings is delighted at the grant of planning permission," a spokesman said.
The planning permission comes with conditions designed to control noise levels and address highway safety concerns. Wiltshire Council accepted a second planning application, which included proposals for a new access track to the property.
Kate attending a party to celebrate The Shop at Bluebird opened by Belle and John Robinson in 2006.
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The 450-acre estate in the Cotswolds has become a sought-after wedding venue, hosting ceremonies for celebrities including Poldark actress Eleanor Tomlinson, who married rugby player Will Owen at the property.
Robinson purchased Euridge Manor Farm in 1980 when it comprised 200 acres with a five-bedroom farmhouse, outbuildings and three cottages. The tycoon subsequently expanded the estate by acquiring 250 acres of surrounding land.
He transformed the property by constructing an orangery featuring two bedrooms and an indoor swimming pool. The venue now boasts Georgian-style architecture, water features, topiary, a thatched boathouse and rose gardens.
Robinson married his now ex-wife Belle at Euridge in 2004. Following their divorce in 2014, he established Euridge Manor Weddings Incorporated and began hosting ceremonies at the estate.
John and Belle Robinson at an exhibition of limited edition photographs of celebrities by Alistair Morrison at the Bluebird, which Princess Kate arranged for UNICEF in 2007.
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Princess Kate pictured at the same exhibition in 2007.
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Princess Kate worked at Jigsaw as an accessories buyer from June 2005 for just over two years before joining her family's Party Pieces business.
The future Princess of Wales was employed by Robinson's fashion chain prior to her marriage to Prince William.
Local residents had complained that the estate lacked proper permission for "change of use" to operate as a wedding venue. The enforcement notice issued on the venue was ultimately overcome through the planning process.
The estate's transformation from farmland to luxury wedding venue represents a significant development in the Cotswolds area, with the property now serving as one of the region's premier ceremony locations.
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