Los Angeles Times – The ‘Caribbean’ star has W. Hollywood officials on legal gangplank over plans for a retail project he says would ruin one of the vistas at his estate – By Bob Pool, Times Staff Writer.
The “Pirates of the Caribbean” star is in a legal sword fight with city officials who have authorized a Sunset Strip construction project that he insists would ruin a scenic view from an area of his $5.4-million Hollywood Hills property.
The megastar contends in a lawsuit that the city violated environmental-quality laws by approving development of retail shops, a restaurant and a parking structure on a lot beneath his gated, 2 1/2 – acre estate.
Depp asserts that the project would block the view his two children have while playing outside the 7,430-square-foot home.
Backers of the development dispute that. They say that Depp has declared that the youngsters – Lily-Rose, 6, and Jack, 4 – will be raised in France, where he and French actress and singer Vanessa Paradis live.
It was unclear Friday how much time Depp and his family spend in Los Angeles. He has been spotted in Hollywood-area restaurants recently, and post-production is underway on the second installment of his popular pirate series, scheduled for release this summer. He is known to also have a home on a Caribbean island.
Depp could not be reached for comment. His attorney declined to discuss the case and his publicist did not respond to inquiries.
