A CRUMBLING £40 million mansion dubbed “The Ghost House of Sussex” is still dilapidated, two years after neighbours were called “peasants” for complaining about it.

Notorious slum landlord Nicholas van Hoogstraten owns the property, which sits in lush surroundings in Uckfield.

The millionaire businessman, who in 2012 told The Argus he had changed his “bully boy” ways, now lives in Zimbabwe. He is a friend of former despot Robert Mugabe.

He bought Hamilton Palace, in 1985 and has been rebuilding it since. His grand renovation plans included the gold-topped mausoleum.

Disgruntled residents have complained about its poor condition, with scaffolding surrounding the impressive building and containers scattered over the back lawn.

Two years ago, Mr hoogstraten responded saying: “Even the most moronic of peasants would be able to see… that we have been busy landscaping the grounds of the palace so as to prepare for scheduled works.”

In 2002 Mr Hoogstraten was jailed for the manslaughter of business rival Mohammed Raja but the verdict was overturned on appeal. He was later ordered to pay Mr Raja’s family £6 million. Construction on Hamilton Palace was put on hold shortly after this.

Five years ago, he told The Argus completing Hamilton Palace was not his top priority, with work at his properties in Hove coming first.