A man who built an Airbnb from Pablo Escobar’s plane has become embroiled in a planning row over noisy parties as he applies to put another Boeing next to it.
Johnny Palmer, 41, created the unique accommodation in the abandoned Boeing 727 plane once owned by the drugs lord to makes guests ‘feel like billionaires’.
He has now submitted a fresh application for a second Boeing project – this time in a bid to create the ‘world’s coolest office.’
Mr Palmer transported his initial Boeing 727 to Bristol in February 2021.
But he is facing a battle over plans to site a second Boeing 727 fuselage at the site – this time to be used as an office and meeting space.
As part of the fresh application, some neighbours complained of ‘rowdy’ parties in the ‘Escobar’ plane that was disturbing the local ambience.
One objector wrote: ‘It is too close to the houses and you can hear music and parties that they have already.
‘When the new houses are built opposite they are not going to like the noise either.’
Another added: ‘What a complete waste of time, the one that is already in place has changed from this to this to this, the community doesn’t use the first one let alone another.
‘The plane has never been accepted by the community, it’s hardly been used for any events. Who in their right minds want to go in the plane over looking what will be a housing area on the back of a trading estate. It beggars belief. It is just another eyesore.’
Another objector added: ‘It is not going to do anything for the area except attract more trouble.
‘It’s hard enough when they have parties in there and you can hear the music all around the Brislington area and Broomhill.’
Mr Palmer’s initial Boeing 727 installation rests atop a stack of shipping containers, and he now plans to elevate the second aircraft even higher, equivalent to three storeys.
Several letters of support have also been received ahead of a decision made by Bristol City Council.
In documents to support the application, he said the plan was for the supporting structure as a hub for co-working and office spaces and include a coffee shop and other facilities.
He wrote: ‘The project will create high-value opportunities in marketing, public relations and communications, providing employment for young creatives, designers and marketers.
‘This project represents a forward-thinking, innovative development, integrating economic, social and environmental benefits.’
Mr Palmer’s original decommissioned aircraft has functioned as office space, a filming location, and is presently available for rental on AirBnB.
The private jet resides on an industrial estate in Bristol and comes with a hot tub and sauna and can cost up to £850 per night.
Originally built in 1968 and fitted out as a private jet in 1981, the aircraft was still flying up until 2012 – when it made its final journey to Filton Airfield.
Mr Palmer said he now offers guests the chance to live like a billionaire at 32-feet.
Speaking previously, he added: ‘It was built in 1968 for Japan Airlines and in 1981 it got converted into a private jet. It had a series of owners.
‘Eventually it could not fly anymore and in 2012 it was decommissioned.
‘There is a bit of a roll play cosplay thing going on there – people enjoy that experience and living that fantasy for a little while and then living their normal lives.
‘The contrast – billionaire and real life – is actually really healthy to people.’
There have been many rumours about who the previous owners of the jet were – including an Arab prince and the Mafia.
‘Someone said that Pablo Escobar might have owned it for a while,’ he said.
‘As to where it came before that who knows – that doesn’t change the fact that we are doing so many positive stuff with it now.’
The unusual Airbnb boasts two double bedrooms with ensuite toilets and showers, as well as seats which can convert into beds.
It comes complete with walnut panelling, leather seats, gold plated shower and toilet – as well as the original fully-fitted cockpit.
While the aircraft does not have wings or engines, all other features work including the airstairs, lighting, three toilets, shower, kitchen, fridge and many of the cockpit lights.
Johnny said: ‘I always wanted to have a private jet and this was an opportunity to get one – the thing that I wanted was never a plane that flew it was just having a private jet so this was perfect.
‘I just think they are cool – I just like airplanes. Everyone wants a private jet, right?
‘On industrial estates people don’t really care what you do because visually they are not very nice as they are so that gives a creative opportunity to do weird things like airplanes.
‘Whereas if I tried to do this in agricultural or residential setting you just wouldn’t get planning permission for it.’
The cheapest nights in the aircraft are £250 and the peak nights are £850 for the night.
Peak times are in August and it’s nearly fully book the whole year.
He previously said of the second plane: ‘This one will be bigger and much more impressive. And much higher and a bigger structure.’