Sarah Beeny faces demolition order for £3million home after faltering in her latest planning application submission

TV personality and property developer Sarah Beeny has failed in her latest attempt to save modifications she made to her £3 million Stoney Stoke estate.

Despite her considerable experience in property development, Beeny’s renovations, which were featured in her Channel 4 series New Life in the Country, did not gain planning permission. This led to the council ordering the demolition of certain parts of the property.

We breakdown the situation surrounding Beeny’s renovations, the council's objections and what could happen next.

What did Sarah Beeny build?

In 2018, Sarah Beeny started building her home at Stoney Stoke, a project that included demolishing an existing 1970s farmhouse.

Since then, she made a series of extensive renovations, including adding an expanded balcony, French doors, a treehouse, a boathouse and a Victorian-style greenhouse. These changes, though not part of the original planning approval, were designed to enhance the estate’s aesthetic and functionality.

Beeny argues that the additions complement the rural landscape, with some features even being showcased in her New Life in the Country series.

However, these modifications were made without securing the necessary planning permissions, and Beeny later filed a retrospective planning application to get them legalised.

What argument did Sarah Beeny use?

Beeny defended her modifications by claiming that the changes were in line with her vision for a Victorian-style country home.

She argues that the additions, such as the greenhouse and the re-cladding of the barn, help integrate the estate more sustainably into the environment while maintaining its rural charm.

In an interview, Beeny stated, “We’ve put so much thought into creating something that complements the property and the surrounding countryside,” underlining that the changes added value to the estate both aesthetically and functionally.

Beeny and her design team submitted a 125-page document in support of her appeal, highlighting how the renovations blend with the character of the estate.

Why the council rejected the application and what happens now

Somerset Council rejected Beeny’s retrospective planning application citing a number of reasons.

The council argued that Beeny's alterations conflicted with the original permission, which only allowed for the demolition of the farmhouse and construction of a new home.

They also expressed concerns over the impact of the changes on local wildlife, particularly a bat population near the estate. Under planning law, any works affecting European Protected Species require specific mitigation plans, such as creating a bat roost.

Additionally, the Parish Council objected to the expansion of agricultural land on the property, claiming that it blurred the boundaries of what had been approved. The council’s official statement read: “We find this retrospective application for an extension to a house that should have been demolished conflicting.”

Despite these objections, Beeny has filed an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate, hoping that her case will be reconsidered and potentially looked at in the High Court. If successful, this could allow her to continue developing the estate as planned.