Singer Ed Sheeran has received approval to convert six dilapidated barns on his sprawling Suffolk property, often referred to as 'Sheeranville,' into a music archive and a high-tech recording facility. The singer acquired a 400-year-old, Grade II-listed farm for £1.1 million, situated near his existing 16-acre estate.
Plans submitted to Mid-Suffolk District Council outline the transformation of a 19th-century piggery and barn into recording studios, a project for which Sheeran had previously gained permission. The latest approval allows for the use of six adjacent barns, some dating back to 1870, for 'storage space.'
The development has drawn comparisons to EMI's iconic Abbey Road Studios in London, where The Beatles recorded much of their music. Official documents indicate the barns will serve as storage and archive space exclusively for the owner and family, with no plans for additional vehicles, lighting, or equipment.
Sheeran has committed to restoring the buildings while preserving their original character. The application stated the "main ethos" is to reinstate the outbuildings in their original form, repairing deteriorated elements to match the original scale and design. This approach is expected to retain the rural character of the structures and have a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape.
Planning officers commended the proposal, noting it represents a "sensitive restoration and continued ancillary use of an established group of buildings within an existing residential curtilage," rather than isolated new development.
Ecological assessments have supported the plan, citing a low flood risk and a potentially positive impact on the historic farm. However, renovation work on the music studios has progressed slowly due to the need for hand tools and specialized measures for protected Great Crested Newts, requiring a specific license.
Beyond the recording complex, Sheeran plans environmental enhancements, including a species-rich flowering lawn with 19 types of flowers, 12 fruit trees, two bat boxes, and a sparrow tower.
Sheeran has significantly expanded his property portfolio alongside his music career, which includes numerous UK chart-topping albums and singles. His holdings also feature a £20 million mansion in Notting Hill and an £8.25 million office building in Soho, as well as at least 22 properties across London and a villa in Italy. He married Cherry Seaborn in 2019, and the couple has two daughters.