Absolutely Fabulous sensation Jennifer Saunders and her husband, comedy legend Adrian Edmondson, have been given the green light to renovate their Grade II-listed secluded West Country home to suit their ‘current needs and lifestyles’.
A public planning application was submitted in August for listed building consent for landscaping works and alterations to outbuildings which include creating a hobby pottery space. However, a shadow was cast over their plans by a building conservation officer who argued there was ‘insufficient justification and minimal public benefit’ for the work.
The celebrity couple have owned their manor house within the Dartmoor National Park area in Devon for more than 30 years and are said to be now planning to spend more time there and less in London. The stone house features a huge garden, a swimming pool and its own separate cottage.
Their plans were given ‘conditional approval’ by the planning authority at the beginning of the year meaning work can now begin. The Design and Access Statement, prepared by O’Brien Van der Steen Workshops on behalf of Jennifer and Adrian, stated how lifestyle changes have prompted the plans.
The statement said: “Jennifer and Adrian have lived at [redacted by DevonLive] for over 30 years. Their work has meant that the couple splits their time between London and Devon. However, Jennifer and Adrian anticipate in the coming years reducing the amount of time spent away from home [redacted by DevonLive].
“They wish to make some sensitive alterations to the existing outbuildings in order to better suit their current needs and lifestyles.”
The proposed works include the extension of a workshop to form a hobby pottery space, landscaping to provide parking and turning space for vehicles with the formation of a new entrance, and the installation of sustainable energy solutions. Additional elements include the erection of a new oak frame garden pavilion and new paths and car parking using local materials.