Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan have been given the go-ahead to demolish an Essex farmhouse and replace it with a Georgian-style mansion – on condition they put in ‘bat boxes’, consider any potential land contamination and explain how they intend to get rid of foul sewage.
Former Towie star Mark, 33, and ex-Coronation Street actress Michelle, 32, were granted planning permission by Epping Forest District Council yesterday to build their multimillion-pound dream home.
However, among the council’s conditions are that they install the boxes in parts of the property because a species of bats are present in a nearby woodland. The boxes give the nocturnal creatures a place to safely roost and sleep.
They must also take into account any potential land contamination, given that the site is on farmland – and install a low-impact lighting scheme to minimise disturbing the bats.
And they’ll need to submit details of how they intend to get rid of foul water, as the council is concerned the site might not have suitable drainage.
Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan have been given the go-ahead to demolish an Essex farmhouse (above) and replace it with a Georgian-style mansion – on condition that they put in ‘bat boxes’ and take into consideration any potential land contamination
Former Towie star Mark, 33, and ex-Coronation Street actress Michelle, 32, were granted planning permission by Epping Forest District Council yesterday to build their multimillion-pound dream home (above, an architect’s impression of the new property)
The couple must also take into account any potential land contamination, given that the site is on farmland – and install a low-impact lighting scheme to minimise disturbing the bats. Above, Mark Wright and Michelle Keegan at The Global Awards 2020 on March 5
Among the council’s conditions are that they install the boxes in parts of the property because a species of bats are present in a nearby woodland. The boxes give the nocturnal creatures a place to safely roost and sleep. Above, a triple garage at the property which backs on to fields
In a letter dated March 2, the council wrote: ‘The applicant has no proposal to dispose of foul sewage. Further details are required.’
Mark and Michelle purchased the new pad, near Epping, for £1.3 million in October last year.
The plans submitted by the couple include a playroom, which fuelled rumours they were planning to start a family after buying the site.
The mansion could also include a ground floor bar, gym, TV room, study, and an outdoor swimming pool.
Mark and Michelle purchased the new pad, near Epping, for £1.3 million in October last year. Pictured is the present kitchen. Plans submitted by the couple include a playroom, which fuelled rumours they were planning to start a family after buying the site
Pictured, one of the bedrooms presently at the farmhouse. The couple’s new mansion on the site could include a ground floor bar, gym, TV room, study, and an outdoor swimming pool
In planning documents submitted to the Apprentice star’s local council, Wright said of his new property: ‘The house has been designed to be a classical design dwelling, where the emphasis is on symmetry and traditional classical detailing.
‘The existing site is a residential site and the proposal is a replacement dwelling, which will also have a residential use.’
In planning documents, a bat survey undertaken for the couple said: ‘It is possible that bats may commute and forage along and within the woodland to the North West.
‘Therefore, it is advised that a bat considerate lighting scheme be employed during the demolition, construction and completed phase to prevent lighting of the woodland.
‘In addition, integral bat boxes should be installed in the new building.’
Last year, Mark left his dream job in the US to concentrate on his marriage to Michelle after two years of long-distance romance.
But the Heart Radio host has revealed that he is thinking about starting a family and last year said 2020 could be the time.
In planning documents submitted to the Apprentice star’s local council, Wright said of his new property: ‘The house has been designed to be a classical design dwelling, where the emphasis is on symmetry and traditional classical detailing. (Above, the current lounge)
He said in December: ‘We say we’re going to try [for a baby] every year but something comes up with work.
‘So it’ll be Michelle filming in South Africa and then I got the job in Los Angeles – so we think, right, we’ll try next year.
‘It’ll be around December or January, we’ll talk about it and we’ll go from there.
‘With kids, I used to want three or four. But now, I’m 31, we’re not having kids any time before 32. I think we could have two or three. Twins would be great because you’re getting two out of the way at once!
‘Triplets would be even better! And if we have quadruplets we’d be laughing because we’d have them all in one go!’
Mark and Michelle looked loved up as they enjoy a holiday in Jamaica to celebrate his 33rd birthday. Mark shared this photo with the caption: ‘Happiness summed up in 1 pic’
In planning documents, a bat survey undertaken for the couple said: ‘It is possible that bats may commute and forage along and within the woodland to the North West. Therefore, it is advised that a bat considerate lighting scheme be employed during the demolition, construction and completed phase to prevent lighting of the woodland’
Last year, Mark left his dream job in the US to concentrate on his marriage to Michelle after two years of long-distance romance. (Above, the extensive garden at the property)