In a dramatic twist of fate, property development guru and television presenter Sarah Beeny has been ordered to demolish a building erected on her sprawling Somerset estate after it was constructed without the required planning consent.
The new structure, which the council states was built for 'storage and a home office', was raised on the grounds of her £3 million Grade II-listed property without official approval from Somerset Council. This has resulted in a significant and embarrassing planning setback for the celebrated property expert.
A Breach of Planning Rules
Despite Beeny's high-profile career advising others on property development through shows like 'Property Ladder', her own project failed to secure the necessary green light from local authorities. The council's enforcement notice mandates that the unauthorised building must be completely torn down, and all materials removed from the site.
The notice is unequivocal, stating the building is 'incongruous with its setting' and fails to respect the special character of the area or the listed building nearby. This isn't the first time the estate has faced planning scrutiny; a previous application for a larger, more elaborate structure on the same spot was withdrawn in 2022.
From Grand Designs to Demolition Orders
The situation presents a stark contrast to Beeny's public persona as a property development authority. The building in question was reportedly intended to support the management of the 220-acre estate, which she runs with her husband, Graham Swift.
With the enforcement notice now active, the couple has a strict deadline to comply. Failure to do so could lead to further legal action from the council, which would undertake the demolition itself and then charge the couple for the costs incurred—a financially punitive outcome.
This story serves as a potent reminder that planning regulations apply to everyone, even the experts who appear to master them on television.
