ACTOR Martin Freeman has WON a year-long battle with planners to put in new windows at his £5million mansion – to block out noise from a school playground next door to his house.
The , following in 2016.
Martin Freeman has won a year long legal battle over his homeCredit: Getty
Martin’s home is located in London’s posh Hampstead
Martin had complained about noise from two nearby schoolsCredit: Getty
Martin bought the home after his split from Amanda AbbingtonCredit: Getty
But he was so fed up with the din from the TWO schools close by that he applied to the local council to install double glazed windows.
lives near to a pre-school and a junior school – so it’s hardly a surprise that break times would be loud.
The actor insisted that most of the existing single glazed windows were so wonky from building movement that he couldn’t even open and close them properly.
Officials at his local council failed to make a decision on time so the Sherlock star appealed to a Government planning inspector who gave the go-ahead.
In a statement, his planning agent said: “The noise is a major problem particularly during term time on weekdays due to the school located directly opposite.
“The new units will reduce noise pollution from the street and school, improving the building’s internal environment.”
The Office star’s Arts and Crafts-style pad boasts a basement gym, wine cellar and summerhouse and dates back to 1883 but is not listed.
He bought the massive mansion after cashing with with Hollywood movies Love Actually, Black Panther, Captain America: Civil War. He’s currently appearing onstage in The Fifth Step in London’s West End.
The council later said they would have refused to grant planning permission as the new windows would harm the designated conservation area.
In a statement, they said: “Officers sought to negotiate on the application to get it to a point where it could be approved.
“However, the applicant did not want to make changes to their proposal.”
The planning inspector gave the green light after visiting the star’s home last month, and there were no objections from neighbours.
He said: “To all practical intents and purposes, the replacement windows would retain the appearance of the original single glazed windows and the appearance of the appeal property would be preserved.”
Martin, now 53, went public with Normal People actress Rachel Benaissa , 31, in 2021. He shares two kids, Joe and Grace, with ex Amanda.
Martin has been with actress Rachel Benaissa, 31, for five yearsCredit: Getty
The actor is best known for playing Bilbo Baggins in the Hobbit trilogy
MUNICH, GERMANY – SEPTEMBER 28: Martin Freeman during the premiere of the movie “Momo” at Mathäser Filmpalast on September 28, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Gisela Schober/Getty Images for Constantin Film)Credit: Getty 
