PROPERTY WORK HALTED IN DEVON AMID PERMISSION ROW
Josh Widdicombe, newly installed host of Strictly Come Dancing, and his wife, interior designer Rose Hanson, have reportedly halted renovations at their recently acquired Devon home. The £3 million property, formerly owned by television personality Noel Edmonds, is said to be the subject of a planning dispute that has brought ongoing work to a standstill.
The core of the issue appears to be the commencement of work on the listed property without the requisite planning permission having been secured. Documents reportedly indicate that while applications were submitted, and retrospective approval was eventually granted for some aspects, the initial commencement of building activities preceded formal consent, leading to the reported stoppage.
UNAPPROVED ALTERATIONS BRING CONSTRUCTION TO A STANDSTILL
Sources indicate that Widdicombe and Hanson, who purchased the substantial Exeter residence earlier this year for £2.95 million, were eager to begin work on the sprawling estate. Hanson, who has been described as the "boss when it comes to renovations," apparently submitted the application for the work. However, the start of building activity appears to have outpaced the official planning process, resulting in the reported halt.
Widdicombe, who was announced as a new Strictly Come Dancing host alongside Emma Willis and Johannes Radebe on Tuesday, has been vocal about his excitement for his new role and the family's move to Devon. He has previously joked about his "unlikely casting" and referred to himself as "the runt of the litter" among his co-hosts. The comedian has also spoken of the benefits of the move for his young children, citing more space compared to their previous London residence.
The house itself is a significant Grade II listed property, boasting five en-suite bedrooms and a separate coach house. It sits on an upmarket street in Exeter and was previously occupied by Noel Edmonds, who acquired it for £1.36 million in October 2006. The property was notably featured in the setting for Edmonds' former television show, Noel's House Party, although Widdicombe has clarified it is not the iconic "Crinkley Bottom" set. Edmonds himself has reportedly sent Widdicombe a message subsequent to the property's sale.