Anger over Frasier star's plan to demolish cottage

Frasier star Kelsey Grammer has angered neighbours after being given the green light to demolish a historic 200-year-old Somerset cottage.

- TOM BEVAN

The actor and comedian, who also starred in Cheers, has been accused of “arrogance” and a total “disregard” for the historic building near Bristol after seeking permission to knock it down.

Grammer had earlier failed in a bid to build an extension on it – but has now been told “no prior approval” is needed to get rid of the cottage in Portishead – that is at least 185 years old – in its entirety.

His plans have infuriated neighbours, with eight letters of objection submitted and published on the North Somerset Council planning portal with none in support.

Concerns included loss of historic value, no justification for demolition, damage to rural nature, loss of greenspace and objections to future modern designs. But in a recently published decision notice, council planners confirmed no prior approval was needed and the demolition could be carried out.

Conditions attached to the approval included that work must be carried out before 12 February 2030. The proposal infuriated neighbours.

One objector wrote: “We do not wish to stand in the way of this wonderful, historic cottage being modernised and futureproofed, made bigger and/or more suitable to modern living. We did not object to, or comment on, the previous planning application, despite the enormous scale of the proposed works.

“However, the possibility of this cottage which is at least 185 years old, being razed to the ground, is not acceptable. We would implore the local authority to ensure that this is not allowed to happen.”

Another objector wrote: “I am concerned to see that the proposal to demolish a character cottage built in the vernacular style, sited prominently on the coast road is being considered.