Sarah Beeny, renowned property expert and star of Channel 4’s Property Ladder and New Life in the Country, finds herself at the center of a contentious planning dispute over her ambitious Somerset home renovation.
Since purchasing a 1970s farmhouse in Stoney Stoke in 2018, Sarah and her husband Graham Swift have sought to transform the property into a grand £3 million “mini-Downtown Abbey.” However, their plans have met significant local opposition, with neighbours voicing serious concerns about safety and propriety.
One neighbour described the plans as “irresponsible and downright dangerous,” citing worries over a proposed new entrance and exit on a stretch of road known for frequent traffic accidents. Paul Williams, who has lived in the area for 35 years, explained to the Somerset County Gazette: “I have seen numerous accidents on this notorious road, several encroaching on my property. Introducing an additional access point here is reckless.”
READ MORE: Keep on Keeping On! The Secret to a Happy Life at 105
READ MORE: Cyclist Injured in Bridgwater Hit-and-Run Incident
Tensions escalated when Sarah opted to extend the existing farmhouse rather than demolish it as originally approved. This decision has led to further disapproval from locals like Kevin Flint, who told the Daily Mail: “The planning permission was granted on the condition the old farmhouse was demolished. Extending it instead has caused bad feeling in the community. It’s not acceptable.”
Following this change, Sarah’s planning consultants, Avalon Planning & Heritage, submitted an application for retrospective planning permission to Somerset Council, which was rejected. Avalon argues that despite deviations from the original approval, the new plans comply with the spirit of local regulations. They propose replacing one of six planned new buildings with the renovated farmhouse, maintaining the total number of dwellings.
Moreover, Avalon highlights ecological reasons for preserving the farmhouse. They note that Serotine bats currently roost in the farmhouse roof, protected under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. Demolition would threaten this habitat, making preservation a legal necessity. Avalon states: “Demolishing the farmhouse would destroy the bat roost, which is a greater environmental impact than our appeal proposals.”
They also emphasize ecological benefits, claiming retaining and refurbishing the farmhouse could achieve up to 36% whole-life carbon savings compared to demolition and rebuild.
Meanwhile, permission to convert five agricultural buildings into homes on the property has been renewed until March 2029 amid ongoing planning issues.
The dispute reflects a complex balancing act between local concerns, environmental protections, and Sarah Beeny’s vision for her country retreat. Representatives for Sarah Beeny have been contacted for comment.