Residents question expansion plans for £15m property owned by Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi in the Cotswolds region
In a recent development, Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi have faced controversy over an extension added to their £15 million Cotswolds farmhouse. The extension, a single-storey structure, was constructed without obtaining formal planning permission for the addition.
The property, located within a conservation area, has raised questions about why the extension did not need planning permission. According to West Oxfordshire District Council, the extension falls under "permitted development rights"—a set of nationally defined rules allowing specific types of work without a formal application—due to the distance from the Roman remains.
Permitted development rights allow modest extensions such as garden rooms or conservatories without planning permission if the structure is single-storey, within defined size and height limits, behind the principal elevation, and does not cover more than 50% of the garden area. In conservation areas, these rights are curtailed or subject to additional restrictions to preserve the area's special architectural or historic character.
Locals have expressed concerns about the potential disturbance of Roman remains, but West Oxfordshire District Council has confirmed that no significant threats to the historic remains or the surrounding area were found. The concerns about the potential damage to Roman remains were largely unfounded.
The works carried out on the property were done without obtaining formal planning permission for the extension. However, the council determined that the project did not require further intervention regarding flood risks, despite concerns about a hedge and wire fence erected on the property potentially blocking the natural flow of water across the fields.
The extension was added to enhance the property and likely to accommodate the couple's needs for more space. The controversy has sparked complaints from locals, particularly concerning the potential disturbance of Roman remains and the lack of planning permission for the extension. District councillor Rosie Pearson contacted planning officers about the extension, but it was found not to be a material breach.
West Oxfordshire District Council rejected re-examining the extension despite the flood risk concerns, stating that the extension and fence were allowed to remain due to meeting the criteria under permitted development in conservation areas. It is always advised to check with the local planning authority since restrictions in conservation areas may vary and sometimes result in permitted development rights being removed or limited.
Despite the controversy, the extension remains on the property, sparking a larger discussion about the importance of preserving historic sites while also accommodating the needs of homeowners in conservation areas.
- The inhabitants of the West Oxfordshire District have raised concerns about the extension added to Ellen DeGeneres and Portia de Rossi's Cotswolds farmhouse, based on the potential disturbance of nearby Roman remains and the lack of formal planning permission.
- According to the homeowners, the extension was built for the purpose of enhancing their home and providing additional living space.
- The property in question, situated within a conservation area, qualifies for "permitted development rights," which enable specific types of work without a formal application due to the distance from the Roman remains.
- Despite some apprehensions about the potential impact on flood risks, West Oxfordshire District Council has ruled that the extension and fencing work do not warrant further intervention, as they meet the criteria for permitted development in conservation areas.
- The backlash over the extension has shed light on the delicate balance of maintaining historical sites while addressing the needs of homeowners in conservation areas.
- It is essential for homeowners in such areas to consult with local planning authorities, as restrictions may vary, and sometimes permitted development rights may be removed or limited.
