A recent report from Hertfordshire News has confirmed that actor, Rupert Grint has had plans to convert a Hertfordshire barn into three eco-homes approved.
The star of the big screen who is best known for playing Ron Weasley is local to the area having lived in Watton-at-Stone during his upbringing. He also bought Kimpton Grange near Hitchin for 5.4 million in 2009.
Rupert who is reported to have made £40m from the blockbuster, eight-film Harry Potter series, has recently turned to property development and the proposed barn conversion is his first major project.
The plans have, however, been met with strong opposition. Hertfordshire and Middlesex Wildlife Trust have highlighted concerns that wildlife would be disturbed including bats living in the area. The work would also require additional access to be built and the destruction of several ash trees which has led to some angry comments from Kimpton Parish Council as well as local residents via the council website.
Feedback was not completely negative, however. One resident showed strong support for the plans and was impressed with the ecological nature of the project which will contribute to a reduction in the use of carbon and CO2 gases.
The specification for the properties is to a high standard and once finished the eco-homes will benefit from rainwater toilet flushing and a wildlife-friendly roof to encourage nesting. To complement this air source heat pumps will be used to provision hot water and heating.
The project was given the green light by North Hertfordshire District Council on the 20th of September with conditional permission.
you can view the full planning documents here.
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