Controversy Brews over Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's Expansion of £15m Cotswold Residence, Making Neighbors Uneasy
In the picturesque Cotswolds, a controversy has arisen over a £15 million farmhouse owned by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi. The couple purchased the property, paying £2.5 million over the asking price, and proceeded with a series of changes, including the construction of a single-storey extension and the addition of a hedge and wire fence.
The extension, despite being within a conservation area and situated near Roman remains, did not require planning permission. This is due to the extension likely falling within permitted development rights, which allow certain small-scale extensions without full permission, as long as they meet size and design criteria set by local planning rules.
However, the extension and accompanying changes have sparked complaints from locals, particularly concerning the potential disturbance of Roman remains and potential flood risks. Concerns were raised about potential flood risks posed by a hedge and wire fence erected on the property. But West Oxfordshire District Council determined that the project did not require further intervention, as there were no significant threats to the historic remains or the surrounding area.
Local residents and parish councillors have expressed concerns about potential flooding risks due to the new fence. The worry is 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, the council found that there were no material breaches of planning regulations, and the extension and fence were allowed to remain. A district councillor, Rosie Pearson, contacted planning officers about the extension, but they found no reason to re-examine the project.
The controversy surrounding the renovations has raised questions about the council's response to the unauthorized development. Some argue that more should have been done to address the concerns of the local community, while others believe that the extension complied with the rules and should be allowed to stand.
In summary, the extension and accompanying changes to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's £15 million Cotswolds farmhouse have sparked controversy due to concerns about potential flood risks and the disturbance of Roman remains. Despite this, the extension was constructed without planning permission and was found not to be a material breach by West Oxfordshire District Council. The controversy has raised questions about the council's response to the unauthorized development, with some calling for a more proactive approach to address community concerns.
[1] Planning Portal. (2021). Permitted development rights. [online] Available at: https://www.planningportal.gov.uk/info/200140/common_projects/17/permitted_development_rights [Accessed 12 May 2023] [2] West Oxfordshire District Council. (2021). Planning. [online] Available at: https://www.westoxon.gov.uk/info/200003/planning_and_building_control/101/planning_applications [Accessed 12 May 2023] [3] National Trust. (2021). Permitted development rights. [online] Available at: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/features/permitted-development-rights [Accessed 12 May 2023]
- The construction of the single-storey extension on Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's £15 million Cotswolds farmhouse might have fallen within permitted development rights, which, as per the Planning Portal, allow certain small-scale extensions without full planning permission as long as they meet size and design criteria set by local planning rules.
- The extension and accompanying changes to the farmhouse have been built despite being within a conservation area and situated near Roman remains, and did not require planning permission due to the extension likely falling within permitted development rights.
- A home-and-garden guide might suggest looking into the rules and regulations applicable to one's area regarding permitted development rights, as such guidelines can vary and may have a huge impact on any proposed home projects.
- The Controversies over the extension and accompanying changes on Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's farmhouse raised questions about the West Oxfordshire District Council's response to the unauthorized development, and some argue that more should have been done to address the concerns of the local community.
- Celebrities like Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi, when embarking on home projects, should be mindful of the potential impact on the surrounding environment and historical sites, as their actions can attract general-news coverage and draw criticisms from the public.
- Parish councillors and locals have raised concerns about potential flood risks due to the new fence and hedge erected on Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's farmhouse, as they fear debris could become trapped in the fence, blocking the natural flow of water and increasing flood risks for the surrounding area.
- Any lifestyle magazine featuring home projects should address the importance of adhering to local planning rules and regulations, and take into account potential environmental impact and any concerns raised by the community, in the spirit of ensuring a harmonious relationship between new developments and existing landscapes.
