Kirstie Allsopp's family home at centre of row over huge new building development
Kirstie Allsopp, the well-known presenter of Channel 4's Location, Location, Location, finds her family's former abode at the heart of a contentious planning dispute that could see a vast new housing estate erected in Wiltshire. The proposed development by CG Fry & Son is set to encroach upon the boundaries of the Grade-II* listed Vern Leaze in Calne, a historic property previously owned by Kirstie's father, the 6th Baron Hindlip.
Charles Allsopp, Kirstie's father and an auctioneer renowned for hammering down Van Gogh's Sunflowers for a staggering £24.75million in 1987, once presided over the grand manor, which boasts 11 bedrooms and was valued at a whopping £3.5million in 2021.
Despite selling the estate in the early 1980s, the planned housing estate threatens to overshadow the magnificent property, complete with its stables, coach house, walled garden, and lodge. It comes after Channel 4 breaks silence after Gogglebox couple suddenly dumped from show.
The project envisions 180 new homes and a medical centre, sparking a wave of objections from hundreds of local residents earlier this year.
CG Fry & Son have defended their plans, stating: "This proposal will contribute towards Wiltshire Council's annual housing requirement, and will provide high quality open market and affordable homes.", reports the Express.
A design and access statement assured: "Grade II* listed buildings are considered to be of national significance and we have taken care to design the proposed development in such a way that it protects the building and its setting.
"A key part of this is the retention of a large area in the southern part of the development as a parkland style open space.
"This was formerly an area of parkland around the historic house; however, it has lost many of the historic trees that were once part of it."
Kirsty and Location, Location, Location co-host Phil Spencer recently discussed the popularity of their show.
In a recent documentary, Kirstie reminisced over her years on the show and said their long-running role on the series, and on Channel 4, had been an 'absolute privilege'.
They agreed that while they had helped to change people's lives by sorting them out with the right place to live, the many couples and families they have met along the way have also had a huge impact on them.
'They've changed our lives too,' she said. They also said that, over the years, they've 'been through a lot together'.
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