PAUL Hollywood has finally WON a three-year battle with conservationists to build a kitchen extension so he can film cookery shows at his historic Kent farmhouse.
The Bake Off star, 60, has been given the go-ahead to demolish a crumbling conservatory at his 18th Century pad to make way for the proposed development.
Paul Hollywood has won his three-year battle with conservationists to build a kitchen extension Credit: Getty
The Bake Off star will film cookery shows at his historic Kent farmhouse Credit: @paul.hollywood/Instagram
Paul first served up plans for a rear extension back in 2023 but twice withdrew his application – despite no objections from neighbours.
He then cooked up plans for a bigger kitchen at the side but was turned down after council officials ruled it would be an “unsympathetic” and “inappropriate” addition to the £1million Grade II listed house.
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Hollywood has now submitted amended plans for a smaller pavillion-style extension at his rural retreat – complete with a glazed link.
It will allow cameras to film him rustling up his latest delicacies in the comfort of his own home which he shares with wife Melissa.
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Hollywood was also given the green light to build a walled kitchen garden with fruit trees Credit: PA:Press Association
Planners at the local council gave the go-ahead for the kitchen extension Credit: @paul.hollywood/Instagram
In a previous statement, his planning agent said: “The proposed extension is needed for ad-hoc filming for the house’s owner, Paul Hollywood, who is a well-known TV personality and celebrity chef.
“The existing kitchen is not large and is too narrow for filming purposes – the cameras cannot be set up adequately to obtain the required shots.
“The proposed kitchen will, on the other hand, provide a suitable space for these purposes. The space will enable the filming of a unique documentary of Paul Hollywood cooking from home.
“This would provide an engaging and enhanced experience for viewers with the chef being in his own familiar environment. The use of the space for TV cookery shows is a unique factor which would be of social benefit to the public.”
Hollywood’s home boasts stables, an orchard, paddock, shepherd’s nook and poultry run, set in eight acres. He bought the four-bedroom pad for £875,000 seven years ago but it is now believed to be worth £1million following a Grand Designs-style makeover including a new garage for his collection of motors.
Planners at the local council gave the go-ahead for the kitchen extension after he reduced it from 20ft to 18ft, and cut the depth from 21ft to 18ft.
They said: “The conservation officer is content with this revised scheme and considers that the proposal represents a considerable improvement on the previous refused scheme, more in keeping with the character and appearance of the existing listed dwelling.”
Hollywood was also given the green light to build a walled kitchen garden with fruit trees and raised beds so he can grow his own veg and herbs.
The planning officer added: “Whilst this style of wall is considered to be more appropriate for a higher-status country house, as the wall only relates to the enclosure of the kitchen garden, it is not considered reasonable to object to this element of the proposal.”
