Singer Charlotte Church is facing an investigation after claims she is running a school at her home without planning permission. The soprano plans to accommodate up to 20 pupils in an annexe of her home in Dinas Powys, Vale of Glamorgan.
The council has received complaints that the building is already being used for teaching, but Ms Church denies this and insists she is operating legally. She says a part-time home school tutoring group uses the annexe for less than 12.5 hours per week, which she claims is approved by Estyn and the Welsh Government.
Ms Church's Awen Project aims to open a non-fee paying school for local children aged nine to 12, initially based at her home for the first year. She says it is for children struggling in mainstream education, providing a free alternative. 'We're trying to do something beneficial to the community,' she said.
Dinas Powys Community Council and local councillor Andrew Robertson have objected, citing traffic and noise concerns. However, Ms Church says only one vehicle would be needed for transport. The council is considering a change-of-use application and has launched an enforcement investigation, but has not yet decided on formal action.
