Actor Kelsey Grammer has stirred controversy by successfully bypassing planning permission requirements to demolish their historic property dating back to the post-medieval period.
Despite initial refusal from North Somerset Council to extend the 1840s building, Grammer and his wife, Kayte Walsh, have now received approval to demolish the cottage under permitted development rights, which locals have described as a planning “technicality”.
The proposal has sparked debate in the local community with many concerned that the redevelopment will result in the loss of an important piece of local history with the cottage’s heritage now at risk.
Council performs planning U-turn
Earlier in 2024, the Grammers submitted an application for a significant remodelling of the property, including demolishing existing extensions, building a large two-storey addition, and altering access to the site.
The proposal was rejected by the council for reasons such as inappropriate development within the Green Belt, harm to the historic character of the cottage, and potential highway safety issues.
However, the couple returned with a different approach: applying under Part 11, Class B of the Town and Country Planning Order 2015, a permitted development order.
This application only addressed the method of demolition and site restoration, bypassing the previous objections. The local authority ruled that prior approval was not required, effectively clearing the way for the demolition of the historic building.
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A piece of history at risk
Squires Cottage, though not officially listed, is considered a non-designated heritage asset.
The cottage is one of the oldest buildings in the area, visible on 1840s tithe (National Archive) maps, and holds significant local historical value. The cottage’s proximity to Walton Common’s Iron Age hillfort further enhances its archaeological importance.
The Conservation & Heritage Officer was consulted on the proposal and raised serious concerns about the potential impact of the development.
It was noted that the demolition and planned extensions would have a direct impact on Squires Cottage, which is recorded on North Somerset Council’s Historic Environment Record (NSHER) as a non-designated heritage asset. The proposed changes were deemed harmful to the historical value of the cottage, as well as the visual landscape that surrounds it.
These concerns were raised during the previously rejected planning application, but as the new work qualified for permitted development rights the historical importance of the site could not be used to reject the application.
‘It deserves to be protected, not demolished’
The news has sparked debate in the local community, with many neighbours expressing strong opposition to the demolition.
One local resident said: “It’s disheartening to see such a historic building being torn down because of a loophole. Squires Cottage is part of the heritage of this area, and losing it would be a great loss to the community.”
Another neighbour, who has lived in the area for decades, shared their concerns, saying: “The cottage may be old and in need of repair, but that doesn’t mean we should just tear it down. It’s one of the last remaining pieces of our local history, and it should be preserved for future generations, not bulldozed for convenience.”
The Walton-in-Gordano Parish Council also raised objections, with a spokesperson stating: “Losing this cottage would be like erasing a page from our history. It’s a historic structure in a stunning location, and it deserves to be protected, not demolished.”
One local resident commented: “The original application was refused on multiple solid planning grounds… Now, thanks to a technicality, they’re allowed to bulldoze a piece of North Somerset’s heritage. It’s disheartening.”
Another neighbour emphasised the broader impact on the area’s character: “The rural charm of Walton Bay could be permanently altered if this precedent is allowed to stand. We should be protecting the area’s heritage, not letting developers take shortcuts”.
However, a council spokesperson clarified: “This type of application is governed by specific technical regulations which do not allow for the usual considerations of the heritage value or the broader community concerns.”
While the objections raised were acknowledged, the council said that it was not within its jurisdiction to take those concerns into account in this specific case.
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