Paul Hollywood has successfully concluded a three-year planning dispute, obtaining approval to extend his historic £1 million cottage in Kent. The extension is intended to create a more suitable space for filming television cooking shows.
Previously, council officials had rejected the proposal, which aimed to replace a 1980s lean-to conservatory with a larger, camera-friendly kitchen-diner. Hollywood, 60, purchased the four-bedroom farmhouse near Ashford for £810,000 in 2019.
After a period of negotiation, the local council has now granted permission for the demolition of the existing conservatory at the 18th-century property and the construction of a revised extension. The modified plans reduced the extension's size from 20ft to 18ft in length and its depth from 21ft to 18ft.
In addition to the kitchen extension, Hollywood has also received approval to build a walled kitchen garden, complete with fruit trees and raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs. A conservation officer noted that the revised scheme represents a significant improvement and is more in keeping with the character of the listed dwelling.
Hollywood's planning agent had previously stated that the proposed extension was necessary for filming as the existing kitchen is too small and narrow for adequate camera setup. The new space is intended to facilitate the filming of a documentary-style series featuring Hollywood cooking from his home, which was described as offering an enhanced viewing experience by showcasing the chef in a familiar environment.
The planning officer also commented that while the style of the proposed wall for the kitchen garden might be more suited to a higher-status country house, its use solely for enclosing the garden makes it unreasonable to object.
This planning approval comes as Hollywood prepares to join a new series of The Great British Bake Off alongside Nigella Lawson.