Grammy-winning singer Ed Sheeran has ignited a dispute with residents in a picturesque Suffolk village after submitting plans to convert two historic seaside cottages into a single, larger coastal residence.
Plans for a 'Beach Paradise'
The Shape of You star, 34, purchased two adjacent three-bedroom, 19th-century terraced houses for a combined total of £1.95 million. The properties are located within a strict conservation area on the increasingly trendy Suffolk coast. Sheeran's approved application, accepted by East Suffolk Council, involves knocking through the parting wall to create a more spacious four-bedroom home, described in the plans as a permanent alteration aimed at creating a personal 'beach paradise'.
Local Backlash Over Housing Stock
The proposal has not been welcomed by all, with one neighbour formally complaining about the loss of smaller family homes in the area. Citing the ongoing national housing crisis, the resident argued that the village has a critical need for two and three-bedroom properties. Over 60 per cent of villagers are reportedly in favour of more small family homes being built.
The objection highlighted that the conversion would directly reduce the local stock of smaller homes in a village with fewer than 340 households. The resident's statement pointed to a worrying trend, noting another local plan to demolish a three-bedroom dwelling to replace it with a five-bedroom house.
Council Approval and Sheeran's Property Portfolio
Despite local concerns, a planning officer dismissed the objections. The officer's report concluded that the loss of a single dwelling would not materially affect the council's ability to meet its housing supply targets, noting that the borough was already delivering homes above its goal.
Sheeran and his wife, Cherry Seaborn, secured a certificate of lawful development for this project, which bypasses the need for full planning permission when certain criteria are met. This will be the singer's second home in Suffolk, the county where he grew up.
The father-of-two already owns a vast local estate nicknamed 'Sheeranville', complete with a pub, tree house, and underground music room. His impressive property empire is thought to extend to around 27 properties, including a recent £9 million purchase in New York.
