Musician Ed Sheeran has received approval to construct a new wildlife pond at his £1.1 million recording studio complex in Suffolk, a development that echoes previous planning disputes over water features on his estates. The proposed pond, located at the Tannington Lodge estate, has been described by observers as being close in size to an Olympic swimming pool, measuring over 9,000 square feet.
This latest approval comes after Sheeran faced backlash for a similar 'wildlife pond' at his nearby £3.7 million estate, known as 'Sheeranville.' In 2016, he was granted permission for a £500,000 kidney-shaped pond, with the stated purpose of supporting nature conservation by providing habitat for insects, amphibians, and birds. The initial approval stipulated it would not be used for swimming.
However, steps, a jetty, and a wooden caravan were added to the first pond in 2017, prompting fears it was being used for recreational purposes. Although a subsequent investigation by the local council found no planning breach, they ordered the removal of the caravan, which had been converted into a sauna. Retrospective planning permission for the ladders and jetty was later granted on the condition that the pond was not used for swimming. Despite this, Sheeran himself posted a video on Instagram two years ago, showing him jumping from the jetty into the water, which led to local anger.
Sheeran purchased the Tannington Lodge estate, which includes a Grade II-listed farmhouse, over two years ago for £1,100,000. The new proposed pond for this site is planned to be 20 meters by 43 meters, surrounded by a wildflower lawn and a timber boardwalk to conceal filtration equipment. A planning statement submitted to Mid Suffolk Council described the proposal as the creation of a habitat pond to foster a diverse wildlife area on currently unused agricultural land.
Despite assurances from Sheeran's representatives that there is no intention to stock the pond with fish or permit fishing, and that no nearby residents would be adversely affected, some locals have expressed reservations. Citing Sheeran's history with previous wildlife ponds, one resident noted that rock stars are known for "all sorts of antics" and vowed to monitor the new development closely.
Sheeran has been developing the Tannington Lodge estate into a recording studio complex, dubbed 'Sheeranville II.' Plans include converting barns into studio and rehearsal spaces, and renovating outbuildings for use as a 'music archive.' The musician has also converted a former piggery into a leisure space featuring a bar, gym, pool table, and bowling alley. The council's ecology team has requested the implementation of bat and bird boxes, bee bricks, and hedgehog-friendly fencing to support local habitats. The highways department has also approved the plans, contingent on a construction management plan that ensures public rights of way are not obstructed. Construction has reportedly been slow due to the presence of protected Great Crested Newts, requiring builders to use hand tools and special measures.
Sheeran, with an estimated net worth of £410 million, has amassed a significant property portfolio, including multiple homes in London and a villa in Italy. He has also had prior planning disputes over other aspects of his properties, including a hay bale wall and signage for a pub, as well as a controversial application to build an Anglo-Saxon-style chapel, which he later received permission for, along with a crypt intended as his final resting place.