Dire Straits co-founder David Knopfler has pushed back after being labelled a "deep-pocketed rockstar" during a planning inquiry into a proposed 1,200-home development near his home in Devon. The inquiry is examining what impact the scheme, near Newton Abbot, would have on a nearby Site of Special Scientific Interest, and Knopfler is among the objectors. He rejected the characterisation, arguing it was an opportunistic attempt to paint objectors as wealthy and out of touch with local housing needs.

According to the BBC, the developer's barrister used the "rockstar" description in opening remarks, prompting Knopfler to describe himself instead as a 73-year-old pensioner, economics graduate and former social worker living in a semi-detached house, who spent just three years in Dire Straits nearly fifty years ago. He said he has spent his life being misrepresented in this way. Since leaving the band, Knopfler has built a steady solo career, with recent releases including Crow Gifts (2024) and Skating On The Lake (2022), while Dire Straits themselves last released an album, On Every Street, in 1991.