FOR THE CHOP Ant McPartlin axes £6m mansion expansion plans after losing battle over just six TREES ahead of welcoming first child
ANT McPartlin has scrapped plans to hack down a jungle at the end of his garden to make way for a new studio - complete with a “honeybee retreat."
The I'm a Celeb host and wife Anne-Marie Corbett wanted to chop down six trees at their £6million, seven-bedroom mansion.
They were given the go-ahead to axe four cypress trees, a Weymouth pine and a yew despite them being protected by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO).
But then, conservationists and neighbours accused them of setting out to fell healthy trees at their leafy home.
A letter from a neighbour read: “No justification is given for felling these substantial trees, other than the applicant’s wish to allow re-landscaping of part of their garden.
“There is no suggestion that any of the trees are dangerous or diseased.“The personal whim of the applicant should not override the benefit to the community and the
“The combined new garden buildings will be heavily screened from view and will have limited visual presence and therefore will not have an adverse impact on the host property and adjoining properties.”
The proposed garden rooms will built on special screw-pile foundations fixed to a timber frame with a suspended floor for the cabins, “nestled” within the existing trees.
Lower branches of three trees will have to be removed to make way for the new structures but will not be harmful to their health or stability, according an arboricultural impact assessment.
In his report, a tree expert said: “It is my opinion that the method of construction proposed by the tree owners is the least impactive possible.
“It clearly demonstrates the property owners are going over and above to minimise ground disturbance.”
Ant and Anne-Marie moved into their home in 2019, a year after they got together, and quickly embarked on a major refurbishment.
They added a swimming pool with Victorian-style changing rooms and two single-storey extensions.
The three-storey luxury home also has five reception rooms, a large open-plan kitchen, cinema, sun room, larder, walk-in wardrobe, study and office.
But the couple lost a battle with planners to demolish the property’s double garage and build a replacement with accommodation above.
Officials at the local council are expected to make a decision on the garden studio next month and there have so far been no objections from neighbours.
If planning permission is granted, building work will start in April and be completed by June.
The change-up in plans comes after it was revealed Anne-Marie and Ant are expecting their first child.
This weekend, Ant was spotted beaming as he stepped out for the first time since the baby news reveal.
The Britain's Got Talent anchor will become a father for the first time in June.
A source recently told us: "This is the news everyone wanted. Ant and Anne-Marie are beyond delighted.
"It’s no secret that Ant has always wanted children, but that it may never happen for him was something he had, sadly, come to terms with.
“When they found out last year, they were absolutely delighted, but obviously kept the news quiet for as long as possible.
“To be having a child two years short of his 50th birthday, with the love of his life, is the stuff of dreams for Ant."
The couple married in 2021 after getting together in 2018.
Meanwhile, Ant's ex Lisa Armstrong has responded with a series of cryptic messages after his baby news was made public.
The Strictly make-up artist, 47, was married to Ant for 11 years after tying the knot in 2006.She uploaded a quote to Instagram which read: "No one is you and that is your super power," and has showcased numerous posts since Ant's announcement.
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