Craig Revel Horwood’s Grand Garden Plans Get Green Light Despite Neighbourly Concerns
Renowned Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood has secured approval to construct a lavish party terrace at his picturesque £2 million country estate, a decision that comes despite vocal opposition from some neighbours concerned about potential noise disturbances. The plans, which include a sophisticated entertainment area featuring a swim spa and hot tub, were met with apprehension in the tranquil village of King’s Cliffe, Northamptonshire.
One local resident voiced significant concerns, asserting that noise from Mr. Revel Horwood’s existing garden gatherings was already “excessive.” The fear was that the proposed raised terrace would amplify these disturbances, negatively impacting the peaceful atmosphere of their sleepy village. In a formal letter submitted to the local council, the resident detailed their objections:
- “There is already excessive noise heard from their garden when they regularly entertain.”
- “The shape of the land with the trees along the river means residents can easily hear talking and noise from their gardens around the pool area.”
- “Raising this terrace area will exacerbate this if no trees or noise reduction is installed along the low walls by their gates.”
- “We object to the raising of this area unless some noise reduction can be installed.”
The neighbour further elaborated on the existing auditory impact, stating that “the noise that comes from their garden is already quite substantial” and that without adequate screening, “we will hear all noise from this area even more clearly.”
Despite these objections, planners at North Northamptonshire Council have ultimately given the go-ahead for the ambitious project. The council’s decision concluded that the proposed development would not inflict “unacceptable harm to neighbours,” paving the way for Mr. Revel Horwood and his partner, Jonathan Myring, to proceed with their extensive garden transformation.
The seven-bedroom, 160-year-old riverside property, which Mr. Revel Horwood purchased for £1.8 million in 2021 and is now valued at approximately £2 million, is set to undergo a significant facelift. Beyond the party terrace, the Australian-born dancer’s vision includes:
- A New Gravel Driveway: Replacing an existing structure, this will provide a modern access point.
- Garage Demolition and Meadow Creation: An existing garage is slated for demolition, with the space to be repurposed into a natural meadow, aiming to enhance biodiversity.
- A Dedicated Recreational Area: This will further expand the property’s leisure facilities.
Interestingly, the relocation of cars to the new gravel drive proceeds despite the area being within a flood zone. Official assessments acknowledge a “residual risk of them travelling over land through the garden and becoming stranded in vegetation,” a point that was part of the planning considerations.
Mr. Revel Horwood’s sprawling estate spans an impressive 2.2 acres and boasts a tranquil lake and pond, adding to its idyllic charm within the King’s Cliffe conservation area, a location steeped in history dating back to the Domesday Book.
This latest approval follows previous successful planning applications for substantial internal renovations. Mr. Revel Horwood had previously secured permission for a series of major upgrades, including:
- An enlarged entrance hall.
- A dedicated home gym.
- An expanded master bedroom suite.
- A professional-grade butler’s kitchen.
- A sophisticated wine store.
- A cosy snug area.
Reflecting on the extensive overhaul of his home in a previous discussion, Mr. Revel Horwood shared his vision for the property. He explained, “I’ve lived in it for four years but it took a year to know what to do with it, and then a year to get the architects to develop it, and then a year to get planning. I had no intention of leaving it as it was; it was very higgledy-piggledy: the staircase was in the wrong position, the kitchen was in the wrong room, the living room would never be used as it was. And it was all on different levels, which I wanted to get sorted.”
In their statement to the council, Mr. Revel Horwood’s planning agent emphasised the harmonious integration of the proposed garden alterations. They argued that:
- “The alterations to the terraces and levels within the garden will not appear incongruous, representing new but compatible features within what is at present a residential garden.”
- “The proposed works have considered the site constraints and flood risk and have proposed a scheme which enhances the amenity of the dwelling and improves the existing arrangement with no impact to the conservation area.”
Ultimately, North Northamptonshire Council’s assessment concluded that Mr. Revel Horwood’s comprehensive plans would not only “improve biodiversity overall” but also ensure no detrimental loss of privacy for neighbouring residences, thus satisfying the key planning criteria.
