Manchester City goalkeeper illegally paved his lawn: neighbors complain again.

According to The Sun: Manchester City goalkeeper Marcus Bettinelli is once again in the spotlight due to a conflict with his neighbors. This time, the reason is his intention to set up a parking area next to his £2 million home.

The 33-year-old former Chelsea and Fulham goalkeeper decided to lay asphalt on the lawn without the necessary permits.

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This incident occurred just weeks after Bettinelli had cut down 40-foot trees next to his luxurious home in green Cobham, Surrey.

Nearly a dozen residents from the upscale gated community expressed their dissatisfaction with the 'visually intrusive' parking.

They noted the 'erosion of the green landscape' and voiced concerns that this could set a precedent for others to also pave their lawns.

Bettinelli insists that the parking is within his private territory and has applied for retrospective permission.

However, he may face penalties from the local council and receive an order to dismantle the unauthorized work.

“Parking on the lawn is completely contrary to the character of this complex and its developing norms,” one neighbor noted.

“Approval of this application will set a precedent for other homeowners who may destroy green areas for additional parking spaces, leading to further erosion of the character of the complex and streets,” expressed another outraged resident.

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Another neighbor remarked: “Setting up parking in an area where there is none, while large homes have plenty of room for cars in their driveways, seems unnecessary.”

Bettinelli signed with Manchester City in June for a nominal fee after experienced goalkeeper Scott Carson left the Etihad. He is expected to take the position of the main goalkeeper.

The athlete purchased his home in Surrey for £1.5 million in 2023, but its value has increased to £2 million after obtaining permission for an extension of the kitchen and bedroom.

Documents submitted to Elmbridge Council indicate that Bettinelli began work on the parking in February.

In a statement from his planning agent, it is said: “The area in question is fully owned and has already been developed. The works are minimal and do not affect surrounding buildings, streets, or the character of the area.”

Among Bettinelli's neighbors are other former Chelsea footballers such as Petr Čech, César Azpilicueta, Ben Chilwell, Armando Broja, and Glen Johnson.

The local council's decision is expected by the end of this month.

Sun Sport has reached out to Bettinelli's representatives for comment.

The current situation regarding the parking conflict shows the importance of adhering to rules and norms in residential complexes. The confrontation between the interests of homeowners and neighbors not only emphasizes the importance of preserving green spaces but also raises questions about how new initiatives can impact the overall atmosphere in the community. Officials now have to determine whether this case will influence future development decisions in the area.