Inside Amanda Holden’s battle with council over guest house as she puts incredible Surrey mansion up for sale for £5m
AMANDA Holden has lost her battle with planners to build a granny annexe complete with a ‘chill’ area at her £5million Surrey home so family and friends can stay over after parties.
The Britain’s Got Talent judge, 51, and producer husband Chris Hughes had been given the go-ahead for the garden room and car port at their five-bedroom pad which boasts its own bar and hot tub.
Amanda then submitted revised plans for the proposed annexe, moving it just a few feet nearer to the property’s northern and western boundaries to allow for a bigger vehicle turning circle.
But officials at the local council refused to grant planning permission for Amanda’s home improvements, claiming it could harm the roots of nearby trees in the designated conservation area.
They did however concede that it would not detract from the setting of Grade II listed 18th Century house next door, and there were no objections from neighbours.
In a heritage statement, Amanda’s planning agent said: “The garden room will be used ancillary to the main dwelling and will consist of a small kitchenette, shower room and dressing area.
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“Whilst the primary function of the garden room will not be for sleeping accommodation, there will be times when the applicant’s family visit and they will use this in an annexe capacity.
“Whilst the outbuilding will not be physically attached, it would have a clear functional relationship with the host dwelling and, given the proposed siting within the site, clearly demonstrates that independent use would be difficult and undesirable.”
The proposed building would have been split in two with a bed and sitting/chill area in the garden room and a car port for the couple’s treasured VW camper which they have used for cosy date nights.
Amanda already has another small outhouse on the property complete with a second bar and hot tub.
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It also boasts a log burner and comfy sofa and is set upon a large wooden decking area close to a palm tree planted in honour of Sir Captain Tom Moore.
Following the council’s decision, Amanda is now trying to sell her home and make a £1.5million profit after giving it a showbiz makeover including a huge living room and stylish kitchen.
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After buying it for £3.5million in 2015, she and her husband described it as their ‘forever home’ and Amanda admitted ‘badgering’ the former owner to sell it.
Amanda also has a rural retreat in the Cotswolds.