Sting's £7 million estate in Wiltshire provides the singer with an idyllic retreat from the pressures of the music industry. The sprawling 800-acre hideaway is now receiving some stress-inducing attention from the planning authorities, however, after concerns were raised that a barn built on the land may be illegal.
Investigating officers, who paid a visit to the estate after receiving an anonymous tip-off, have confirmed that it was "not constructed with the original design approved by the council". Apparently the construction's measurements were "totally different" to those originally agreed when permission was granted in 1993.
As a result the 55-year-old has been forced to apply for a Certificate of Lawfulness for the building, which is used to house his organic pigs and chickens. But if it is refused he may have to pull it down. In the meantime his application has been put out to public consultation, so the former Police frontman will no doubt be hoping nobody decides to contest it.
According to press reports authorities received a complaint about the barn just weeks after Sting petitioned for a fishing hut on an adjoining estate be demolished. Owners of Great Dunford Manor apparently had to seek retrospective planning permission for their waterfront building after their famous neighbour complained that it spoiled his view.
Photo: © Alphapress.com
Photo: © Alphapress.com
