Locals question the increased value and expansion plans of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's £15m property in the Cotswolds.
In the picturesque Cotswolds, a single-storey extension on Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's £15 million farmhouse has become a subject of controversy. The property, nestled within a conservation area and situated near Roman remains, has raised questions about planning permission and flood risks.
The work carried out on the farmhouse primarily involved the construction of a single-storey extension, designed to enhance the property and accommodate the couple's needs for more space. Alongside this extension, a hedge and wire fence were also erected as part of the changes made to the property. However, planning permission was not sought for these alterations.
Planning permission is not automatically required for all single-storey extensions in conservation areas, but it depends on meeting tight permitted development criteria and local regulations. If those criteria are met, a single-storey extension can proceed without formal planning permission, even near sensitive historic sites, although consultations and special consents (e.g., for listed buildings) may still be necessary.
In the case of Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's farmhouse, it is possible that their single-storey extension was within the size and design limits allowed under permitted development rights for single-storey rear or side extensions. Alternatively, they may have obtained necessary consents such as listed building consent or planning permission through consultation with local authorities.
However, concerns have been raised about potential flood risks posed by the new fence. Local residents and parish councillors fear that debris could become trapped in the fence, blocking the natural flow of water across the fields and increasing flood risks for the surrounding area.
Despite these concerns, West Oxfordshire District Council ultimately rejected re-examining the extension, determining that the project did not require further intervention. The council also found that the extension and fence were not a material breach of planning regulations.
The controversy surrounding the renovations has raised questions about the council's response to the unauthorised development. District councillor Rosie Pearson contacted planning officers about the extension, but the council's decision not to re-examine the project has left some feeling that the historic preservation and flood risks were not given sufficient consideration.
Ellen DeGeneres shared a post about the renovations on her Instagram account (@ellendegeneres), further fuelling the discussion. As the renovations continue to generate debate, it serves as a reminder of the complexities and nuances surrounding planning permission in conservation areas and the importance of balancing development needs with the preservation of historical sites and the environment.
[1] Planning Portal. (2021). Permitted development rights for householders. Retrieved from www.planningportal.co.uk/info/200130/common_projects/11/extensions_and_loft_conversions
[2] Historic England. (2021). Permitted development rights in conservation areas. Retrieved from www.historicengland.org.uk/advice/planning/permitted-development-rights-conservation-areas
[3] West Oxfordshire District Council. (2021). Planning policy. Retrieved from www.westoxon.gov.uk/planningpolicy
[4] The National Trust. (2021). Permitted development rights in conservation areas. Retrieved from www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/permitted-development-rights-in-conservation-areas
- The single-storey extension on Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's farmhouse was constructed to enhance their home and provide additional space, yet the lack of planning permission for this project has stirred controversy.
- Homeowners looking to build single-storey extensions in conservation areas need to adhere to permitted development criteria and local regulations, which might include consultation with local authorities for listed buildings.
- Despite concerns about potential flood risks posed by the new fence at the farmhouse, West Oxfordshire District Council decided not to re-examine the extension, as it found that the project did not breach planning regulations.
- Balancing development needs with historical site preservation and environmental concerns is crucial for homeowners, architects, and local authorities, as evidenced by the ongoing debate surrounding Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's home-and-garden project.
- To fully understand permitted development rights and planning requirements in conservation areas, resources such as the Planning Portal, Historic England, West Oxfordshire District Council, and the National Trust can serve as helpful guides in home-and-garden projects and entertainment endeavors.
