A HOLLYWOOD star has sparked fury among his new neighbours by bulldozing a 200-year-old cottage to make way for a Grand Designs-style super home.
Cheers actor Kelsey Grammer has been given permission to demolish the historic home overlooking the Bristol Channel near Portishead, Somerset, despite objections.
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He plans to turn the property into a modern home complete with a games room and gym.
Last year North Somerset Council denied him permission to build an extension on the side of the house, with outraged locals and planning committee members agreeing it was not in keeping with the local area.
But in January an application was submitted by the 70-year-old’s company The Fossil UK Trust, to determine if permission is in fact required for him to demolish the whole house and garage – and planners have now said it isn’t.
A notice taped to a gatepost of the cottage says demolition of the buildings will start this month, “to clear, level and make good the site”.
One close neighbour wrote in their objection: “The possibility of this cottage which is at least 185 years old, being razed to the ground, is not acceptable.”
A second wrote: “The overt and callous submission to demolish, having been refused planning permission to expand, only serves to publicise the arrogant forces at play and their disregard for NSC decision making.
“I urge the decision makers to take a stand against these behaviours, in a time where bullying and bluster is commonplace on the world stage.”
Kelsey, whose wife Kayte Walsh,41, is from Portishead, is worth £61 million.
After buying the cottage two years ago he said: “I love the people of Portishead and the time we spend there.
“We’ve actually bought a place there.
“A little place we are going to be working on.
“We probably won’t be taking up residence for a while, but we’re pretty excited about it.”
The couple tied the knot in 2011 and share three children together, making Kelsey a dad-of- seven.
Kelsey owns a former dairy farm in the Catskills mountains of UpState New York which he turned into a brewery.
He recently announced a third series of the newly rebooted sitcom revived Frasier, starring Only Fools and Horses actor Nicholas Lyndhurst.
Know Your Rights: Objecting to Changes to a Neighbour’s Property
If you’re unhappy with the changes your neighbour is making to their property, such as demolishing or significantly altering a historic building, here are your rights and options:
Check Planning Permissions: Major changes to a property, including demolitions and extensions, often require planning permission. Review the local council’s planning portal to see what permissions have been granted and whether they comply with regulations.
Submit an Objection: If an application has been submitted and is still under review, you can formally object to it. Provide clear reasons, such as the impact on the community, heritage concerns, or environmental factors.
Engage in Consultations: Councils often hold consultations for controversial developments. Attend these meetings to voice your concerns and hear updates from planners and developers.
Appeal Decisions: If the council approves a development that you strongly oppose, you can appeal the decision through the Planning Inspectorate. However, this process requires evidence and may involve legal costs.
Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings: If the property is in a conservation area or is a listed building, stricter rules apply. Contact local heritage organisations or the council’s conservation officer to ensure proper regulations are being followed.
Community Support: Gather support from neighbours or local groups to strengthen your case. Collective objections often carry more weight with councils and planning committees.
Remember, while you may not always prevent a neighbour’s changes, engaging in the process constructively can ensure your concerns are heard and may lead to compromises that benefit the community.
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