Sarah Beeny's estate faces potential demolition over planning issues

Sarah Beeny, a property expert and TV personality, has been ordered to demolish an extension on her £3 million estate. The extension changed her large country house into what some locals called a “mini Downton Abbey.” This situation has escalated into a planning dispute with her local council and neighbors. Beeny has faced criticism similar to that directed at Hannah Ingram-Moore, the daughter of Captain Tom Moore. Ingram-Moore built a spa complex without permission and had to take it down. Residents now feel that Beeny is ignoring the rules in a similar way. Beeny has been trying to renovate her Somerset estate since purchasing it in 2018. She was supposed to demolish the original 1970s farmhouse before building a new home but went ahead with expanding the old farmhouse, adding features like new French doors and a balcony, without permission. The council denied her application for retroactive approval last May. Now, there is an active enforcement notice requiring the demolition of the farmhouse. The local council stated they are reviewing the situation for any further action. Meanwhile, concerns have emerged about bats living in the old farmhouse, potentially complicating matters further. Neighbors express frustration about Beeny's actions. One local resident remarked that she has created tension in the community and has not followed the agreements made with the council. Earlier this year, she also faced backlash over plans to convert barns into new homes, which she eventually scrapped after objections from locals.