Comedian Ricky Gervais's plans for a luxury riverside mansion in Marlow have hit a significant snag, with the Environment Agency issuing a stark warning that the property is at serious risk of flooding that could result in 'loss of life'.
Official Warnings and Flood Dangers
The government body has stated that Gervais must obtain a special flood permit and has advised him to register for flood warnings if his application to demolish his current £6 million home and replace it with a new build is approved. This comes after the agency previously objected to an earlier planning application, which was refused in February, leading to a fresh submission in September.
One of the primary obstacles is the acknowledged flood risk. The Environment Agency, responding to a flood risk assessment filed by Gervais's team, indicated that flood depths on the site could reach just under one and a half metres. This depth is only slightly less than the comedian's own height of 1.73 metres.
The agency's documentation is unequivocal about the danger. 'We agree that this indicates that there will be a danger for all people (e.g. there will be danger of loss of life for the general public and the emergency services),' their response notes, emphasising that without proper evacuation procedures, the situation could be fatally dangerous.
Proposed Solutions and Additional Hurdles
A report from the comedian's own flood experts conceded the issue, acknowledging that 'flood depths on the site are expected to exceed 1 metre' during a major flood event, making safe evacuation impossible. Their proposed solution involves elevating the house itself above the flood level to 'create a safe haven during a flood' and preparing a warning and evacuation plan for Gervais and his partner, Jane Fallon.
Beyond flooding, the project faces another unusual challenge: bats. Ricky Gervais is already required to obtain a bat licence from Natural England after surveys recorded 333 soprano pipistrelle bats emerging from the dwelling in 2023, with a peak of 276 noted in 2025. As part of a Bat Mitigation Strategy, it is likely he will have to build a new bat loft in his garage and erect two bat boxes in nearby trees.
Property Portfolio and Past Controversies
Gervais purchased the Marlow property in 2014 for £2.75 million, and it is now reportedly valued at over £4 million. His extensive property holdings also include a £14.75 million mansion in north London with nine bedrooms, a spa, and a tennis court, as well as two apartments on New York's Upper East Side.
This is not the first time the comedian's property ambitions have caused a stir. He previously sparked a row with neighbours at his former £7.7 million home in Hampstead after undertaking basement excavation works for an underground gym and pool.
