Renowned actor Kelsey Grammer, known for his roles in ‘Cheers’ and ‘Frasier’, has been given the green light to demolish a 200-year-old cottage in Somerset, triggering strong objections from local residents and council planners. Despite facing opposition, the actor’s proposed demolition of the historic Portishead cottage, believed to date back at least 185 years, has been approved without the need for prior consent, sparking outrage in the community.
The decision has prompted a wave of discontent, with multiple objections officially lodged against Grammer’s plans on the North Somerset Council planning portal. Residents and officials have voiced concerns over the potential loss of historical significance, the lack of justification for demolition, the adverse impact on the rural environment, and the resistance towards any modern replacement design.
The contentious proposal has evoked passionate responses from locals, who have emphasized the rich historical significance of the cottage and its architectural value. Objectors have decried the potential destruction of the 185-year-old structure, calling for its preservation as part of the area’s heritage.
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Despite the objections and the rejection of a previous planning application for substantial extensions, the council has confirmed that no prior approval is needed for the demolition, setting a deadline for any work to be completed by 2030.
Having acquired the property with his wife, Kayte, Grammer had initially expressed plans to renovate the cottage. However, their subsequent proposal to demolish the existing structure and build a larger extension was met with resistance from planners, who cited concerns about the disproportionate enlargement of the dwelling and its impact on the surrounding Green Belt landscape.
The actor’s unwavering determination to move forward with the demolition has stirred controversy, with objections centering on the preservation of the area’s architectural heritage and the sensitive treatment of the historic building. Despite the opposition, Grammer’s plans have received the necessary approval, signaling a discord between his vision for the property and the sentiments of the local community.