Olympic Rower Clashes With Henley Neighbor Over Controversial Garden Gym

An ex-Olympic rower is caught up in a dispute with her neighbors due to their intention to construct a gym studio, which she worries will compromise her privacy.

Miriam Luke MBE, a 60-year-old silver medalist in sports, who lives in the scenic town of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire, is one of those opposing the plan.

One of her neighbours Lucy Marsh aims to construct A one-story lateral addition at the rear of their property within the backyard.

However, the former rower is concerned that the proposals to substitute an existing garage and shed with a modern structure might have adverse effects on her.

The design features an entry hallway coupled with a cozy study/snug, as well as an open-concept space for living and cooking areas. Additionally, there’s a laundry room and a shower room included.

This will include a four-meter-by-seven-meter "garden room" specially designed to provide enough space for a studio/gym complete with shower facilities.

The planning application, which was submitted on March 3, is under review by her local council. MailOnline reports that they aim to reach a decision by April 30.

The design and access statement provided by Simon March Architecture states that 'meticulous attention has been paid to ensure that neighboring bungalows remain unaffected by the extension and that their rights are upheld.'

It states: "The suggested garden room should be set back at least 1.3 meters from the edge of the property, potentially featuring wooden siding and equipped with a flat roof to reduce its visual presence."

Nevertheless, local resident Ms Luke expressed her concerns regarding the dimensions and placement of the extension, highlighting worries about its closeness to the adjacent fence, potential substantial noise issues, and the possibility of it being converted into a rental property.

Ms. Luke stated, "We have two prominent trees at present—an unhealthy, ivy-covered horse chestnut tree and one that remains green year-round. How will these two trees be affected once construction of the studio/gym begins?"

'Currently we enjoy the privacy they create for our gardens and house however they are also very tall and obscure sunshine from our solar panels for a few hours in the morning.'

Ms Luke won a silver medal at the 2000 games in Sydney , Australia, participating in the quadruple sculls event alongside her younger sister, Guin.

The team managed to bring back Britain’s first-ever women’s Olympic rowing medal. Following this achievement, the distinguished athlete went on to serve as the chair of the Henley Women's Regatta from 2012 to 2021, concurrently working as the Village Manager for Rowing and Canoe Sprint for the Olympics. London 2012 Olympic Games.

Following four decades of commitment to the sport, Ms. Luke received an MBE in 2024. New Year's Honours List of her contributions to women's rowing.

Currently, she is one of many neighbors who have raised objections against the suggested construction. Another resident living close by has expressed concern that the planned garden studio appears to be too near to their property, which might lead to increased noise issues.

Ms Samantha Petrie stated: "The garden room is situated very near to our property line. Listing this space as both a gym and studio along with the planned addition of a shower facility makes me worry that it might function like an Airbnb-style rental or host public sessions such as classes, which could disturb the tranquility of our garden due to increased noise."

The Henley Society, a local civic organization aiming to 'preserve Henley's deep-rooted heritage,' expressed concern that the plan might 'increase the property size twofold.'

They included: "The possibility of significant light pollution exists, and additional information is necessary. Therefore, we suggest rejecting it for now."

The suggested project sparked controversy during a planning session held on Tuesday, April 8, as both Mayor Rory Hunt and Councilor Michelle Thomas voiced strong objections due to concerns about potential harm to adjacent trees and increased noise levels.

Council member Hunt stated: "In my opinion, this represents excessive development, and the effect on the trees is considerable. There is also a substantial risk of increased light pollution."

Council member Thomas also expressed worries regarding the proximity of the development to neighboring properties, echoing their apprehensions that "the studio might cause damage."

Council member Thomas commented, "Due to its elevated location, the studio will stand out prominently, making it easily observable for anyone looking to appreciate their garden."

We ought to mention that it should serve as an additional structure to the primary house since they suggested it might be converted into something like an Airbnb.

Deputy Mayor Tom Buckley stated that he didn’t think the proposals would lead to significant harm or affect nearby homes. Meanwhile, Councillor Laurence Plant suggested implementing mitigations to assist in resolving the neighbor conflict related to the removal of the vegetation.

Consequently, provided that a substitute landscaping plan is implemented, the committee suggested approving the construction project.

The council, which MailOnline has chosen not to identify out of respect for Ms Luke's privacy issues, opted against commenting as the planning application "remains under review."

Ms. Luke and Ms. Marsh were both asked for their comments.

Read more