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I built the ultimate Airbnb using Pablo Escobar's plane – my spiteful neighbours hate it & want to stop my next project

I built the ultimate Airbnb using Pablo Escobar's plane – my spiteful neighbours hate it & want to stop my next project

The Sun2 hours ago
THE MAN who transformed Pablo Escobar's plane into an Airbnb has hit back at critics trying to block his next project.
Johnny Palmer, 41, says that he wants to create the 'coolest office' in the world if he can get planning approval.
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The entrepreneur wants to carry out a second Boeing project after his first - converting a Boeing 727 plane belonging to Pablo Escobar - made his guests 'feel like billionaires'.
Now, Johnny wants to convert another plane into the 'world's coolest office'.
Stacked on top of three storeys worth of containers, he says that the installation would be a hub for co-working and office spaces and include a coffee shop and other facilities
However, his plans have ground to a halt as he waits for Bristol City Council to approve the project.
The businessman's proposal has received a staggering 70 letters of support, but also 9 complaints.
His last project proved to be controversial, as nearby residents complained of 'noisy parties' on the airline.
He claims that the objections are preventing areas like Bristol from being regenerated.
Johnny said: "It's not a surprise that not much gets done in poorer parts of the UK when some locals behave like this and attack the one person who is prepared to invest and make something new.
"But in reality the vast majority of people in the area are lovely and 90% of the people support the application."
Naysayers have branded his proposals as part of a 'vanity project' or 'publicity stunt'.
One complainer said more bluntly that the first plane is an 'absolute eyesore'.
However, Johnny hasn't been deterred - in fact, he thinks the second plane could rival another iconic Bristol landmark.
The entrepreneur said: '"This is going to be Bristol's second most iconic structure. People will think of Bristol and picture the Clifton suspension bridge and Ground Force."
He also suggested that the noise referenced in the complaints was linked to 'events and venues' in the nearby area, not the 'existing fuselage'.
Johnny first opened up his Airbnb in 2021, which has been used by film makers, music video producers and event organisers.
The jet itself was built in 1968 and used as a private jet from 1981 until 2012.
A night on the plane costs £850, though its owner claims that it makes guests feel like a 'billionaire at 32-feet'.
The jet comes with leather seats, a gold plated shower, two double bedrooms but has had its wings and engine removed.
He wants his second project to begin development in January, if he gets permission from the council.
After that, he wants to launch the space in March.
Speaking about his vision for the city, Johnny said: "Cities are defined by their landmarks or skylines. In Bristol we have a bridge and some colourful houses which I love, but I think we can do better.
"I love the idea of Bristol being known as the place with the airliners on shipping containers. It adds to our global identity, inspires young engineers and is a spectacle to see.
"I want this project to be something that inspires more people to do more, think bigger, create better work."
The Sun has approached Bristol City Council for comment.
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