Rose Leslie and Kit Harington Face Conservation Conflict Over Barn Conversion for Mansion

Conservation Clash Over Mansion Renovation

Actors Rose Leslie and Kit Harington find themselves embroiled in a planning conflict regarding their £1.75 million Suffolk Tudor home.

The couple, known for their roles in “Game of Thrones” and “Vigil,” submitted plans to Babergh Council to refurbish a 15th-century barn on their estate for guest accommodations and a games room.

However, concerns have been raised about the potential impact of the renovation on the roosting habitats of bats residing in the barn.

The Barn Conversion Plan

The proposed refurbishment of the barn involves creating guest accommodation alongside various landscaping works and the demolition of a Cart Lodge.

While the plan aims to restore the structure and provide additional facilities, including a games room, a bat survey report flagged potential issues with the conversion. The report revealed the presence of various bat species, raising concerns about the loss of roosts due to the proposed renovation.

Conservation Objections and Legal Protection

Ecological experts from Place Services objected to the plans, citing the potential impact on bat roosting sites.

They highlighted insufficient ecological information for determining the application and the necessity for further details on mitigating the loss of bat roosts.

Bats are legally protected, and any structures used by them for shelter or protection must be safeguarded against damage or destruction, whether occupied or not.

Pending Decision and Previous Security Measures

The application remains pending a decision from Babergh Council, following a series of steps by the couple to enhance privacy and security at their estate. Leslie and Harington had previously secured permission for the installation of new gates to safeguard their privacy, citing continuous breaches and trespassing incidents.

Celebrities’ Background and Family Life

The couple, known for their roles on television, met during the filming of “Game of Thrones” and married in 2018. Leslie, hailing from Aberdeenshire, gave birth to their first child in 2021 and welcomed a baby girl in July 2023. Their representatives have yet to respond to queries regarding the planning conflict and conservation concerns.