Neighbour row erupts over Jennifer Saunders’s home extension that has ‘minimum public benefit’
A neighbour row has erupted as comedy duo Jennifer Saunders and Adrian Edmondson have sparked criticism regarding modifications to their £2million home in Dartmoor, Devon.
The television personalities, known for Absolutely Fabulous and Bottom respectively, acquired the rural property as a countryside sanctuary and intend to make it their permanent residence.
The couple currently divide their time between their Devon estate and a London property.
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They secured approval last year for various improvements, including a redesigned entrance, expanded workshop facilities, terrace construction and greenhouse relocation.
However, they’ve now submitted requests to eliminate several planning restrictions attached to the original consent.
A conservation officer at Dartmoor National Park Authority has expressed significant reservations about the proposed works.
Clare Vint stated in her assessment that “the impact of the proposals on the significance of the listed buildings and their setting has not been minimised.”
She highlighted concerns about inadequate justification for the changes, highlighting there was “insufficient justification for the works and minimal public benefit.”
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The officer’s evaluation emphasised that both the interior and exterior of Teigncombe Manor possess “high significance architecturally, historically and archaeologically.”
Her report identified multiple issues requiring attention, including the visual impact of proposed heat pumps and oil tank relocation.
The couple are attempting to discharge multiple conditions imposed on their planning permission.
These include eliminating the requirement to completely remove an external staircase and first-floor door within twelve months of the initial approval.
They also wish to avoid submitting detailed specifications for a replacement painted timber door for prior written approval from planning authorities.
In addition, the application seeks to remove the obligation to obtain advance approval for the installation methods and positioning of air source heat pumps.
The planning documentation reveals that certain works within the listed building’s curtilage were “previously undertaken without consent,” with the current application aiming to regularise these modifications.
The estate’s heritage extends back over nine centuries, with records indicating settlement existed before the 1086 Domesday survey.
The main residence holds Grade II listed status, dating from the 16th century.
Supporting documents reveal that Saunders and Edmondson have occupied Teigncombe Manor for more than three decades.
Their representatives indicated that professional commitments have necessitated splitting their time between Devon and the capital, though they plan to transition to full-time residency at the property.
The conservation officer recommended various modifications to reduce visual impact, including painting external stairs black and either screening or repositioning the heat pump equipment.
Dartmoor National Park Authority continues to review the discharge application.