Kate Winslet has submitted plans to her local council to replace two sets of deteriorating wooden gates at her Grade II-listed property in West Wittering, Sussex. The gates, exposed to salty sea air, are described as rotting and in need of replacement as part of broader efforts to address flooding and coastal erosion in the area. Winslet purchased the property for £3.25 million in 2013.
Historic Home in High-Risk Zone
The property, built in the early 18th century and currently valued around £5 million, is situated in Flood Zone 3, the highest risk category. The surrounding coastline has been experiencing erosion, and crumbling sea defenses have prompted significant investment from the council. Nearby Selsey is undergoing a coastal defense scheme to protect thousands of properties from rising sea levels and increased storm frequency. Local reports from June indicated that sea defenses in the area had less than a two-and-a-half-year lifespan, and the council has sought additional funding to mitigate flood and erosion risks.
Proposed Gate Replacements
Winslet's application proposes replacing the existing wooden gates with new ones made from treated timber, chosen for its high resistance to decay and longevity in the harsh coastal environment. The architects noted that these gates would last significantly longer and require minimal maintenance compared to conventional timber. One set of gates faces the house, while the other is located on the waterfront. The plans state that the public King Charles III England Coast Path, which passes between the two gate locations, will not be obstructed. The gates will remain at their current heights, 1.65 meters for the house-facing pair and 1.8 meters on the waterfront. A section of hedge would be moved to accommodate a widening of the harbor-side gateway from 1.15 meters to 1.5 meters, with native plants to be replanted.
Previous Environmental Efforts
This is not the first time Winslet has sought to bolster her property's defenses against the elements. In 2015, she withdrew an application for a sea barrier, but two years later, she received permission for 150 meters of new timber sea defenses along the foreshore. The Environment Agency, which has raised no objection to the current gate proposal, has previously highlighted the village's significant risk of flooding from high tides. The agency has reminded Winslet that work within 16 meters of a sea defense may require a separate environmental permit.
Ongoing Property Alterations
The gate proposal is part of a series of alterations to the eight-bedroom property. Recent approvals include interior changes such as removing an indoor swimming pool to create a gym, updating a playroom, and reconfiguring bedrooms. Winslet also received retrospective permission to use an outbuilding as a gym and store, and consent to redecorate external features like windows and railings.