Sam Taylor-Johnson, 55, and her actor Aaron leave villagers seething after excavations for a lake
18.02.2023 - 13:39
/ msn.com
James Bond. However, Sam Taylor-Johnson and her actor husband Aaron have left villagers seeing red after starting to dig a lake – without planning permission. Excavations at the couple’s country home at a beauty spot near Bath began in October when diggers turned up one morning.
But the work was halted earlier this week after council officials visited following complaints from villagers. Film director Mrs Taylor-Johnson, 55, and her 32-year-old husband have agreed to submit a retrospective planning application if they wish to continue with the circular, gaping hole, which covers roughly an acre and is up to three metres deep. Even then there is no guarantee it will be approved, and if it is refused it will have to be filled in.
Some locals have called the crater an ‘eyesore’. There is speculation it is intended to be used for wild or open water swimming. The couple bought their Somerset farmhouse home, which was once owned by Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCleod, for £1.
85million in 2010. It sits in the middle of a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The hole is visible from several others’ properties.
Jackie Inch, 64, a retired counsellor, said: ‘When I open my bedroom curtains in the morning the first thing I see is that eyesore. We had no idea they were going to do it, and I can’t believe they went ahead without permission. The hole has just got bigger and bigger.
’Another resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: ‘It’s a huge blot on a beautiful green landscape. I’ve been getting all the noise from the diggers going until 9pm at night even on the weekend. ’Shelagh Hayward, 88, a retired teacher, said she hoped the project was stopped for good as it was ‘too big and unnecessary’.