Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis is building an underground garage at his Surrey mansion to house his collection of cars.

The news comes from a rather bizarre Mail Online story (of course), which cites Dennis' planning agent and also appears to show blueprints for the development.

"The development of this project has arisen due to the owner's need for additional space linked to the existing accommodation," the planning agent is quoted by the online tabloid. "Access to the basement parking area will be by means of a vehicle ramp. The parking will be used to house the client's vehicle collection."

Ron Dennis dream garage floor plans

"An internal vehicular turntable is proposed within the basement to allow access and egress of vehicles from ground to basement levels," the agent added. "Given the high value of such items, additional floorspace is required to maximise privacy and security."

The 71-year-old, who counts broadcaster Chris Evans, former McLaren colleague Adrian Newey, and singer Jay Kay as neighbours, lives in a £30 million mansion set in 11 acres in the Surrey countryside.

Bernie Ecclestone and Ron Dennis, McLaren

The garage development will also include room for an art gallery and a workshop, alongside a swimming pool, cinema, bar, relaxation room, gym, sauna, massage area, and wine cellar which are all reportedly underneath his home.

Dennis had plans for his underground extension denied seven years ago, but three-year planning permission was later granted, although it initially expired in 2016.

One nearby resident, Charles Manduca, is said to have opposed Dennis' latest plans, claiming that the development would increase traffic, disrupt a footpath, and "increase noise and disturbance on what is essentially a one track road with a very dangerous blind bend on which there have been accidents."

Ron Dennis, McLaren Executive Chairman with Fernando Alonso, McLaren

Dennis is said to be worth over £500 million. He founded the present-day McLaren when he merged his Project Four Racing operation in the 1980s, building the already successful McLaren racing operation into a global powerhouse that dominated Formula 1 in the 1980s '90s, and then grew into a successful technology and road car manufacturing business.

Dennis left McLaren in 2017 after a power struggle with investors, cashing in on his shares to the tune of a reported £275 million.