Josh Widdicombe, the newly appointed co-host of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, found himself in a bit of a pickle when he began renovating his new family home without the necessary planning consent. The comedian, who purchased the Grade II listed mansion on Exeter's prestigious street for £2.95M, started work on his dream renovation project. However, he soon realized his mistake when planning documents revealed he had failed to obtain listed building consent.
In a retrospective application, Widdicombe's agent acknowledged the oversight, describing it as 'regrettable' and confirming that work had been immediately paused. The application, submitted by Widdicombe's wife, Rose, detailed a range of internal alterations, including reopening a historic doorway and adjusting 20th-century partitions in the master suite.
The couple's representatives argued that the work, though started without consent, had been paused while the application was considered. Exeter City Council planners granted listed building consent, citing no objections received. The application outlined proposals for internal changes, such as reopening a historic doorway and adjusting partitions, while also addressing external alterations like adding a new back door.
Widdicombe and his wife, who previously expressed their contrasting strengths in writing jokes and interior design, are now navigating the complexities of the planning process. The comedian's move to Exeter, motivated by the desire for more space and proximity to his childhood home, has been a learning curve. The couple's previous applications for repairs and MVHR units were withdrawn, and they are now carefully navigating the legal requirements for their dream home.
This incident serves as a reminder that even celebrities and comedians must adhere to planning regulations. Widdicombe's experience highlights the importance of due diligence in renovation projects, especially when dealing with listed buildings. As he embarks on his new role as a Strictly Come Dancing host, he may find himself dancing his way through the intricacies of planning permission, adding an unexpected twist to his journey.
